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LIFE 



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SAMUEL J. LEVICK 



LATE OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA 



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Prefer the Lord's interest, and He will make thy way prosperous" 

—Stephen Crisp 



PHILADELPHIA 
WILLIAM H. PILE'S SONS, PRINTERS, 4^2 WALNUT STREET 

1896 



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PREFACE. 



More than '"-o year, ago .the manu.scripb of Samuel J Te ■ t 
of age; thus leaving the last tor "''"''';''"' '^^ w*-<wenty-five years 

^y other, i„ the ah!:;': r^ rr' "" " "^ ^^^-"^^ ^- 

the "Correspoudenee" h,, f„ ' "'"^'' ^> '''^ ««"> P'^''- It i.s true that 
the. far ap rt- uTto Tl T H " 1" -^— '^-^hough .o.e of 
reports of the societ s ^ t " , , t' '"""' ""^ ''"'"^ "^ -"-' 
-te his activity : 1 ':f '" T ^""""'^'' ""^^ ^""^'«' - '° 

at;:i;;^::™L:,7''"T"'--'"-'---'>-«'-.ewieiuea 

and that duriug , ot tr ; ''" "' ""' " ""''"' ^^""^'- "-" ^ "«'- ; 

Ha. little .ei.ufet:s::r;n'::: r ;r ^^ '■""^- ''-''-' "-^ - 

business, of friendship and of !ZZ:' """'" '" '"' '^'"''"^^ ^'■ 

desirahle to pr^tt Ti ^"1: „"" T'"'''' '"^" '' ^^^'^ 
obstruct nor interfere withth ' "''^ "'"' ™^ ^™"'<1 "°t 

though thus .adT:!:; y : z: rr '" °'"' "''""^' 

each of the «ubiect. Th. ^ ""^ "' practicable under 



IV PREFACE. 

In the first three Chapters are rioted his ancestry, his environment and 
the conditions that accompany a healthy, happy and active boyhood. 

In the Fourth, we must wade through deep waters if we would accom- 
pany a tender-spirited young man on his religious journey, and know 
just what he passed through before he reached the broad plane on which 
he traveled during the last twenty-tive years of his life. 

The Fifth Chapter, while it presents to our view the mature life of a 
very active man, must be regarded as .^iuggesHve rather than minutely 
historical : he did ho much during those forty years that was not recorded. 

In the " Correspondence" the omissions are wo^indicated by asterisks, as 
Ihey consist of business or family matters which would hot concern the 
general reader ; or else of allusions to occurrences whose interest has 
long since passed the limit of time. 

The "Thoughts on Special Topics" were apparently jotted down as the 
subjects had taken hold of his mind ; and as some of the papers were 
without heading, and several of them without date, it is probable that 
he intended them as mere oidlines to be elaborated at some future time. 

Chapter Eighth is the account of his early religious labors from home. 
Of the later ones the minutes of the meeting, the recollections of his 
family, and his own letters, have furnished the data. 

The " Sermons" from which the selections have been made — and several 
of them are given nearly in full — it is believed were all delivered in 
Philadelphia during the late years of his life. It may be said- that any 
Friend's sermon— being intended for the assembly in which it is de- 
livered — suffers from being placed on paper. The aroma cannot be con- 
veyed to the reader, even where the words are faithfully reported. If 
this be true of all Friends' sermons, it is particularly so of Samuel J. 
Levick's ; for his words seemed to have magnetic force as well as Gospel 
unction, while the earnestness of his manner was solemnly impressive. 

The Tenth Chapter is a review of the life, with especial reference to his 
call to the ministry, and his preparation for the work. 



PREFACE. V 

There were so many collateral items which though germane to the 
subject would have broken the thread of the narrative, that an Appendix 
seemed to be required. 

To those who have been life-long members of the religious Society 
of Friends, some of the observations and explanations may seem super- 
fluous; while on the other hand, many who knew Samuel J. Levick, 
but who are not acquainted with the usages, the phraseology— the pecu- 
liarities — of the denomination, may find passages or expressions difficult 
to be understood. Though both of these classes have been considered in 
the preparation of the work, still it is possible that some readers may 
not feel quite satisfied with the treatment of this portion of the subject: 
those who would become fully acquainted with Friends should see them 
in their homes, and in their social gatherings, and observe their inter- 
course with each other in every-day life. 

Should any reader think that secular affairs have been made too promi- 
nent, let it be remembered that the Life would not have been true with- 
out a presentation of this part: should another feel that the early religious 
experience has been dwelt upon at too great length, let him remember that 
it was this experience which our friend valued above every earthly con- 
sideration, and which had fitted him for the discharge of his duties as 
well as for the enjoyment of life. 

Should it appear, on a superficial view, as if different portions of the 
Life were contradictory to each other, a closer study may reveal the fact 
that it is the record of a candid man whose heart was right, and who was 
most esteemed where best known. If all the readers of this book had 
known him of whom it treats, known him in his every-day walk, in 
the by-ways as well as in the highways, at home as well as abroad, — they 
would not be likely to stumble at seeming inconsistencies, but would see 
the course of an honest and earnest man following the golden thread of 
obedience to the manifestations of duty. 

Hugh Foulke, 

Philadklphia, Pa., Twelfth Month, 189'.. 



VI PREFACE. 

Note. — The editor is indebted to numerous friends for information and 
other assistance in the preparation of the work. The correspondents of 
Friends' meetings, the librarians of this city, and the officers of the societies 
of which Samuel J. Levick was a member, have kindly responded to all in- 
quiries sent to them, and the publishers of books have given " full permission" 
to make extracts from their publications. 

Especial mention may be made of the assistance rendered by Howard M. 
Jenkins in furnishing the sketch (a brief one was requested) of the early es- 
tablishment of Merion Meeting, also valuable information on sundry points ; 
by Charles Francis Saunders who kindly assisted in preparing some of the 
papers for the press ; by J . Lewis Crew, President, and by Richard Moore, 
Secretary of the " Pennsylvania Society to Protect Children from Cruelty ;" by 
M. V. B. Davis, Secretary of the " Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of 
Cruelty to Animals;" by Charles W. Alexander, Secretary of the "Pennsyl- 
vania Bicentennial ;" by John W. Jordan of the " Pennsylvania Historical So- 
ciety;" and by the following who have responded to special requests: Charles 
S. Albertson, Henry T. Coates, Morton C. Coggeshall, Joseph T. Foulke, Jno. 
E. Freas, Jane G. Kinsey, Emily R. Lyman, Alfred Mellor, Alfred Moore, 
Wesley Patterson, L. J. Richards, Adolph Roeder and Samuel Sharp. 

To the different members of the family individual acknowledgments are due 
for their hearty cooperation from the inception to the completion of the work. 



CONTENTS. 



Chapter I.— Ancestry and Parentage, 
Chapter II, — His Fathei-'s Family, 
Chapter III. — Childhood and Youth, 
Chapter IV. —Early Manhood, 
Chapter V. — Mature IVFanhood, 
Chapter Vr.— Correspondence, 
Chapter VII. — Thoughts on Special Topics, 
Chapter VIII. -Religious Visits, . 
Chapter IX. — Selections from Sermons, 
Chapter X.—A Retrospect, . 

Memorial, 

Appendix, . . . . 



Pages 


9- 


- 16 


16- 


- 22 


22- 


- 27 


27- 


-154 


154- 


-176 


176- 


-237 


287- 


-261 


261- 


-304 


305- 


-35S 


358- 


-368 


369- 


-372 


374-423 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Samuel J. Levick, from a photograph when about sixty years 

of age, . . . . . . Frontisi)iece 

Elizabeth W. Levick, from a photograph, . , opposite p. 22 

Samuel J. Levick, from an ambrotype, when about thirty years 

of age, ...... opposite p. 161 

Merton Meeting House and Portion of Graveyard, from a 

photograph, ..... opposite p. 175 

Samuel J. Levick, from a photograph, when about forty-seven 

years of age, ..... opposite p. 219 

Merion Meetinc House, from a photograph, . opposite p. 412 
Facsimile of a Postal, written by Samel J. Levick, opposite p. 304 



Life of Samuel J. Levick. 



CHAPTER I. 



ANCESTRY AND PARENTAGE. 



It has been said that there are comparatively few persons 
who can name all the eight of their great-grandparents. It 
is a disadvantage to any one to feel humiliated by an allu- 
sion to his ancestry ; and it is also a source of regret when 
progenitors — so far as character and reputation are con- 
cerned — have left to their posterity a merely negative inherit- 
ance ; where all that can be appropriated from the family 
record is only a list of names and dates. Wealth there may 
be that has been acquired by diligent attention to business, 
increased by honest gains, and hoarded from generation to 
generation, yet when we search for some incidents that 
marked the career of these plodding ones, some index-boards 
on the highway of life, something to constitute a biography 
— we gather only statistics; born, went into business, mar- 
ried, had children, died, left a will : '* only these and nothing 
more." 

With Samuel Jones Levick the case is very different ; for 
we find on both sides, a long line of worthy " Quaker" an- 
cestry, and each family that comes into it adds something 



10 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

to the interest of the history, as well as to the variety of 
intellect and the strength of character. The names of 
Levick, Manlove, Hall, Jones, Wetherill, Lewis, Hayes, 
Fearon, E^oble, Garrett, Lovett, Smith and Yeates, call up 
memories of records and traditions associated with Kent 
County in Delaware ; with Montgomery, Delaware, Chester 
and Bucks Counties in Pennsylvania; with Burlington 
County in I^ew Jersey, and with the city of Philadelphia. 

The Levicks came originally from France (where the 
name was written Leveque or Levesque) ; but they had 
crossed over to England, and had been living in Derbyshire 
many years before the first one of the name (so far as we 
know) came to America. It was in the year 1680 that 
Richard* and Mary Levick settled in St. Jones County (now 
Kent County), Delaware. " In the list of grants b}' the 
Court of St. Jones, is that to Richard Levick of a tract of 
land of six hundred acres, called the Shoulder of Mutton, 
situate and being on the west side of Delaware Ba}^, and 
next adjoining land of J. Brinckle, called Lisbon." In the 
same list of grants there is one for Mark Manlove. The 
name of Manlove is quite prominent in the records of St. 
Jones County. We find that one was a Justice of the 
Peace, two were members of the Assembly, and one was a 
Captain in the war of the American Revolution. 

Richard and Mary Levick had a son William, and he and 
his wife Sarah Levick, had a son William who married 

* For a more full account of Richard Levick see Appendix. 



ANCESTRY AND PARENTAGE. 11 

Susanna Manlove, the daughter of Mark and Anne (Hall) 
Manlove. William and Susanna Levick were the parents 
of Ebenezer, and the grandparents of SamuelJ. Levick. 

We have the information, from those who knew him, 
that " William Levick, the father of Ebenezer, was a mem- 
ber and Elder of the Society of Friends, a man much es- 
teemed for his neighborly kindness, for his strict integrity 
of character, and his earnest and useful attachment to the 
religious body to which he belonged. He was born on the 
twelfth of Tenth Month, 1738 (0. S), and died at his home 
in Little Creek, Delaware, on the twenty-third of Tenth 
Month, 1803. 

" Susanna Manlove, wife of William, and mother of Ebe- 
nezer, was the daughter of Mark and Anne Hall Manlove, 
and was born on the twenty-sixth of Third Month, 1752 
(0. S.). She died on the ninth of Second Month, 1802, more 
than a year before her husband, though much his junior. 
In a Memorial respecting her, written by her friend Sarah 
Cowgill, she is spoken of as a woman of great sweetness of 
disposition and of marked Christian humility of character." 

At the time of his father's death, Ebenezer had just en- 
tered upon his thirteenth year, and about three years later 
he came to Philadelphia and lived with his cousin Rachel 
Fisher, who like himself, was a native of Kent County. At 
this early age, and in a strange city, without a mother's 
voice to comfort, or a father's counsel to direct, did the 
youth enter upon his preparation for a mercantile life. 



12 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

What added much to the hardship of his case was that 
merchandise was not the calhng of his choice, but was ac- 
cepted, or submitted to, out of deference to the wishes, and 
the explicit direction of his deceased father. He had a 
longing desire to study medicine; but his father — having a 
great dread of the associations of the medical lecture-room 
— had opposed the gratification of this desire ; and had taken 
the precaution to insert a clause in his will, which would 
prevent it after his death. Ebenezer, in after life, " regretted 
that his early preference had been set aside, and those who 
knew him best believed that had he been permitted to fol- 
low his inclination, he would have been both a beloved and 
a successful physician." 

While living with his cousin he had occasion to transact 
some business for her, that took him to the house of Mary 
Wetherill Jones, where he met, for the first time, her daugh- 
ter Elizabeth, who afterwards became his wife. 

Elizabeth Wetherill Jones was the " maiden name '' of 
Samuel J. Levick's mother. Her ancestry was a remarka- 
ble one in many respects ; and the family records have been 
preserved and arranged with a completeness, as well as ac- 
curacy, that we rarely find in our genealogical researches. 
Her father's ancestors were Welsh, and her mother's were 
English; so that we have on one side the names Jones, 
Lewis and Hayes [her father's grandmothers were both 
named Lewis] ; and on the other those of Wetherill, Fearon, 
Noble, Smith, Garrett, Lovett and Yeates. We can name, 



ANCESTRY AND PARENTAGE. 13 

not only her eight great-grandparents, but in the Noble 
family can go back two generations beyond Joseph Noble 
who was her great-grandfather. The Smith line has been 
traced back to William Smith (Willelmus Smyth it is writ- 
ten in the old Latin Register of Graham Church), who was 
born about A. D. 1570. Elizabeth W. Jones would have 
had to pre^xjive greats, and her son Samuel six, to the word 
grandfather, to make it applicable to this ancestor. Again 
we find that William Yeates of Alborough, England, was 
the great-grandfather of her great-grandmother. 

Many of these worthy ancestors, both the Welsh and the 
English, are alluded to in "Besse's Sufferings of Friends," 
as having been fined or imprisoned for their faithful adher- 
ence to the testimonies of Friends; and the certificates of 
removal that they brought when they came to this country^ 
also the stations that they filled in the early Friends' meet- 
ings in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, show the esteem in 
which they were held by their friends both in the old and 
in the new country. 

A considerable number of these prominent Friends held 
civil offices, and one of them is spoken of as the " loved and 
trusted friend of William Penn." Of the Wetherill's, Chris- 
topher, his son Thomas, and his grandson Samuel, were 
members of the Council of Proprietors of West Jersey. 
David Jones, Elizabeth's great-grandfather, was one of the 
first elders appointed in Haverford Monthly Meeting. The 
name of his wife, Katherine Jones, appears on the record as 



14 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

an '^ inspector of conversation,'^ also as a '' representative to 
the Quarterly Meeting." 

Haverford, Merion and Radnor, seem to have been favorite 
localities with these early Welsh settlers. Tradition informs 
us that they were attracted by the fertility of the soil, and 
by the abundant supply of pure spring water. The English 
ancestors were drawn to Burlington County, I^ew Jersey ; 
though some found their way to Bucks County, Pennsyl- 
vania. The family history is interspersed with numerous 
pithy notes as well as more serious items of interest ; many 
of the latter having reference to the persecutions that the 
Friends of that day had to suffer for their faith, and their 
loyalty in the support of their testimonies. 

David and Katherine Jones had a son James, who was 
born in Wales, and who came to this country with his 
parents in 1699. He married Hannah Hayes, lived to be 
ninety-two years old, and died at his home in Blockley. 
This worthy couple had a son named Isaac who married 
Mary Koble Wetherill ; the marriage being accomplished in 
Friends' meeting-house at Burlington, 'New Jersey, on the 
twenty-sixth of Eleventh Month, 1778. The offspring of 
this marriage consisted of four children the youngest of 
whom was Elizabeth W. Jones, who became the wife of 
Ebenezer Levick. 

We should have to go farther back to bring in the Gar- 
rett, Lovett and Yeates families. The mother of Joseph 
]S"oble was Mary Garrett Is^oble; and the mother of his wife 



ANCESTRY AND PARENTAGE. 15 

was Elizabeth Lovett Smith whose mother was Amie daugh- 
ter of William Fea^e^ of Alborough, England. The one last 
named is spoken of as " a worthy Quaker gentleman of Al- 
borough." 

To do justice to this family record it should be given in 
its entirety, Avhich would encroach on the life of the one to 
be portrayed in this book; so we leave the remote ancestors 
of Elizabeth W. Jones, and refer to her parents, Isaac and 
Mary Wetherill Jones, whose marriage has already been 
noted. In speaking of her parents, Elizabeth says : " My 
parents were members of the religious Society of Friends, 
as their ancestors had been, from the days of George Fox. 
Sincerely attached to its doctrines and testimonies, for which 
their forefathers had suffered imprisonment and much loss 
of worldly goods, they were not in the narrow sense of the 
word sectarian, and numbered among their friends, even 
their intimate friends, many good people of other religious 
denominations." 

When in her nineteenth year Elizabeth lost her father, 
very suddenly; and her young life heretofore so joyous was 
now overshadowed by a deep sorrow. She speaks of him 
as "a tall and very handsome man, with dark hair and eyes, 
tender and gentle to all, unwilling to hurt the feelings of 
anj'one .... thoroughly honest himself, he was un- 
suspecting of others, and thus in more than one instance, 
became the loser, pecuniarily, where he had trusted others 
in business relations." 



16 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

The other children had been married before the death of 
their father, so that after that sad event her mother and her- 
self constituted the family in their home : thus it was until 
the time of her marriage, after which her husband and herself 
lived with "mother" one year, and then moved into their 
own house, ^ot long after their settlement in their new 
abode, "mother" came to live with them, and was one of 
their household for the remainder of her life. 

Mary Wetherill Jones died at the home of her son-in-law, 
Ebenezer Levick, on the eleventh of Twelfth Month, 1829, 
and her remains were interred in Friends' Ground at Merion. 



CHAPTEE II. 



HIS FATHER S FAMILY. 



Ebenezer Levick was the son of William and Susanna 
(Manlove) Levick, and was born at Little Creek, Delaware, 
on the sixteenth of Seventh Month, 1791. When about 
sixteen years of age he removed to Philadelphia, and entered 
upon the preparation for a mercantile life. 

Elizabeth Wetherill Jones was the daughter of Isaac and 
Mary (Wetherill) Jones, and was born at No. 17 Pine Street, 
Philadelphia, on the fifth of Sixth Month, 1789. 

Ebenezer Levick and Elizabeth W. Jones were married 



HIS father's family. 17 

in Friends' meeting-house, Pine Street, Philadelphia, on the 
first of Fifth Month, 1816. 

For one year after their marriage they lived with Eliza- 
beth's widowed mother, and then moved to the northern 
part of the city, where Ebenezer's business was located. 

In the course of time ^ve sons and three daughters were 
born into the family. Two of the boys died in infancy, but 
the other six of the children all survived their father, and 
three of them were spared to comfort their mother to the 
end of her long period of widowhood which extended over 
thirty-seven years. The names of the six in the order of 
their ages, were Samuel J., William M., James J., Mary J., 
Elizabeth R., and Anna. Though the youngest of the 
family, Anna was the first of the six to pass away : she died 
in 1872. Her husband, J. Lewis Crew of Philadelphia, and 
their two daughters are still living. William died in 1874. 
He was a useful member of the Society of Friends, and was 
frequently called to serve the Yearly Meeting on some of 
its most important committees ; being esteemed for his ex- 
cellent judgment, and for his true inwardness as a Friend. 
His wife was Hannah, daughter of Richard and Sarah 
Moore, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania : she and their two 
daughters are still living. The next death in the family 
was that of Samuel in 1885, and in the following year that 
of his aged mother. Mary died in 1892 and James in 1893; 
so that at the present date (1895) the only survivor of the 
eight children is Elizabeth R. Levick. 



18 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

The three sons, as was the case with their father, died 
suddenly, and all were removed in the midst of their use- 
fulness, and before age had impaired their faculties. Wil- 
liam and Samuel had been together in mercantile business; 
but they both left it, and William studied law. After a 
thorough preparation he was admitted to the bar and be- 
came noted as a counselor in office practice. In Orphans' 
Court business, and in matters pertaining to titles and real 
estate he was consulted with implicit confidence in his legal 
knowledge, his good judgment and his strict integrity. He 
was also for many years a valued member of the City Board 
of Education. Dr. James J. Levick was one of the eminent 
physicians of Philadelphia, his professional association being 
with those who stood in the front rank. As a Welsh his- 
torian, and genealogist, he was one of the most prominent in 
the Pennsylvania Historical Society ; and the Welsh Society 
had few more useful or more esteemed members than he. 
His work — both the professional and the historical — will 
long live, and will keep, alive his memory as well as his 
name. 

With the exception of Samuel, all the children passed 
their entire home life in the city of Philadelphia. 

From numerous passages in the diary of Samuel, as well 
as from the very interesting " Recollections" of his mother, 
we are favored with glimpses into the privacy of tlie family 
circle, and they give abundant evidence that with much 
individuality, and great strength of character, there was also 



HIS father's family. 19 

a high regard for filial duty ; but more noticeable than any- 
thing else about the household is that it was bound together 
by the cementing bond of love. Intellectuality and refine- 
ment both prevailed; but it was unfeigned afiection that 
marked the bearing toward each other of parents and chil- 
dren, brothers and sisters, as well as that which subsisted 
between the two heads of the family. It would appear that 
this bond of union existed not only while all dwelt together 
under the paternal roof; but that it continued to cement 
them after their paths had diverged, and they had estab- 
lished themselves in separate homes. Their loyalty and 
their love for each other seemed to be of the kind promised 
in the marriage covenant, to continue " until death should 
separate them ;" and when the separation came, the sur- 
vivors were mourners in deed and in truth. 

Ebenezer Levick was a prominent merchant of Philadel- 
phia, and he became one of a company that erected some 
large tanneries at Pocono Mountain. Though less shrewd 
than is the case with many who have been bred to mer- 
cantile pursuits, he was highly esteemed in business circles, 
as well as by those engaged in philanthropic work ; while 
among his intimate friends he was known to be generous 
and genial. His many good qualities drew to him a host 
of friends. He "took a deep interest in the public chari- 
ties of his neighborhood, and was one of the earliest mem- 
bers of the Northern Dispensary of Philadelphia, also of 
the Northern Soup Society, of which he was for some 



20 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

years the treasurer. He was of medium height, of a 
bright, pleasant countenance, with a clear, English com- 
plexion. He possessed great kindness of heart, combined 
with much native force of character. He was a loving 
husband, a devoted father, a useful citizen, and his mem- 
ory is affectionately cherished both in his own home, and 
in those of many whom he had kindly cared for, and 
helped in time of trouble." In his faniily he was not only 
affectionate and tender, but very indulgent both as husband 
and father. His widow says of him, "niy children all re- 
member their father, and what a bright, cheerful disposition 
his was; how fond he was of them, and how thoughtful 
always for their best welfare ; how happy he strove to make 
all at his home, and how that home was, indeed, a truly 
happy one. Our married life [of thirty-three and a half 
years] was very happy, although we knew many vicissitudes 
and our cup was not an unmixed one. But, I repeat it, the 
love and tender care of my husband never failed me, and 
He who permitted, in best wisdom, trials to come upon us, 
never left us without some present sense of his loving kind- 
ness and tender mercy towards us." Ebenezer Levick died 
suddenly of apoplexy, on the eleventh of Tenth Month, 1849. 
His widow lived to a good old age, and looked upon 
several great-grandchildren. Her intellect continued to be 
clear and bright to the last. For a number of years in her 
advanced life she was blind ; but at the aore of eio^htv-four 
an operation was performed, removing the cataracts from 



HIS father's family. 21 

both eyes, and thus restoring her sight. It was an entire 
success, and no unfavorable results followed. Thus for the 
last thirteen years of her life was she permitted to behold 
the countenances of her family, and her numerous friends, 
to see the flowers which she so much enjoyed, to use her 
pen and her needle, and to read, with her own eyes, the 
pages of the Sacred Volume. 

After the death of her husband she lived for ten years 
with her children William and Hannah ; and as their home 
was near to the Korth Meeting, she continued to attend 
that, as she had done during nearly all of her married life. 
In 1859 she went to live with her son and daughter James 
and Mary, in their home on the S. W. corner of Twelfth 
and Arch Streets, and she then became an attender and a 
member of Twelfth Street Meeting. For the first twenty- 
eight years of her life she was a member of Philadelphia 
Monthly Meeting for the Southern District; for the last 
twenty-seven, that of the Western District; and for the in- 
tervening forty-two years she belonged to the one for the 
Northern District. Such is the remarkable record of the 
Friend who died on the twenty-first of Eleventh Month, 
1886, aged ninety-seven years, six months and sixteen days. 
In both intellect and character she occupied a high place, 
and of her life it may be said that it did no discredit to her 
distinguished and worthy ancestry. She died at the home 
of her son, Dr. James J. Levick, and her remains were in- 



22 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

terred in Friends' Southwestern Ground, adjacent to those 
of her husband and their daughter Anna. 

Though not prominent in public or organized work, she 
was much beloved by a large circle of friends who looked 
upon her in her dignified old age as a link connecting the 
past with the present, and as one who was worthy of their 
respect and esteem as well as of a place in their affections. 
Ancestry, domestic and social environment, character, in- 
tellect and longevity all combine to render Elizabeth W. 
Levick worthy of more than a passing notice. 



CHAPTER III, 



CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. 



From his ancestry, his parentage, and his home environ- 
ment, it may safely be said that Samuel J. Levick had a 
good start on the journey of life. 

That he appreciated his responsibilities, improved his op- 
portunities, and endeavored to turn his great energy into 
channels of usefulness, will appear as we trace his course 
from gladsome childhood to buoyant and hopeful youth, 
and thence through the different stages of active manhood 
to the close of a full, an eventful, and in the main, a happy 
life. 




ELIZABETH W.* LEVICK. 



TAKEN ON HER 90th BIRTHDAY. 



CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. 23 

In the present chapter we read the brief account of his 
early years, and though there are but few way-marks to 
guide us, we feel assured from many of his later expressions 
that there is one thread to be traced all the way along from 
infancy to manhood ; — obey the law of right conduct- — in- 
cluding obedience to parents and caretakers — rejoicing in 
all unforbidden things, until a higher law is revealed in the 
soul ; and then keep a single eye to its revelations. 

Samuel Jones Levick was the second child of Ebenezer 
and Elizabeth W. Levick, and was born on the thirtieth 
day of Eighth Month, 1819. The place of his birth was 
the house — long since removed^on the northwest corner 
of Second and Callowhill Streets, Philadelphia. 

His mother used to tell of his early attempts at both 
walking and talking, and we learn that he began to go to 
school before he was four years old. It is thought that his 
first teacher was Eliza Janney, who was assisted by her 
mother, and who, in the faithful discharge of her duty to 
the little ones, was noted for being strict. Samuel and his 
brother William were both left-handed, and the teacher was 
most persistent in her efibrts to correct this irregularity. 
When they were learning to write she would tie a piece of 
red flannel around the hand or wrist, in order that they 
might distinguish the right from the left, and be compelled 
to use the former in holding pencil or pen. After this good 
start upon his academic career, it is probable that he at- 
tended the schools of George Glover, of Thomas Branson, 



24 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

and of Daniel Fuller ; and that he was accompanied by his 
brothers William and James ; the latter of whom being 
several years his junior was no doubt an object of tender 
care as well as of fraternal affection. One who was an inti- 
mate playmate of Samuel's at this period, spoke of him as 
a handsome, rosy-cheeked and very active boy. 

In the Fifth Month, 1832, when in his thirteenth year, he 
was entered a pupil at Westtown Boarding School, where 
he remained — vacations excepted — about three years. 

It is probable that he entered his father's counting-house 
soon after leaving Westtown, and with his wonted energy 
and ability applied himself to the acquisition of knowledge 
in mercantile pursuits. By a member of the family we are 
informed that he was an early riser, and that it was his 
practice to go, before breakfast, to market to purchase calf- 
skins from the farmers, and then sell them to the firm. By 
these transactions he became initiated into business habits, 
at the same time that he was earning for himself some 
spending money. It must have been refreshing to the far- 
mers to see this rosy-cheeked, healthy and hopeful boy, 
coming from a refined home at those early morning hours, 
and in his frank, outspoken manner, negotiating with them 
for the purchase of the skins ; and while there may have 
been some who were willing to take advantage of his youth, 
and his lack of experience, yet the number was probably 
much larger that would enjoy giving a generous bargain to 
the frank young customer. 



CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH. 25 

From the time of his leaving Westtown until he began 
to keep a diary we find nothing on record as to his life, but 
it is probable that he was, in a business way, occupied w^ith 
his father, and as the oldest son, looking toward being taken 
into partnership when he should become of age. Some of 
his later writings indicate that such, at that time, was the 
intention of both father and son. At home, no doubt, he 
occupied the important place that an oldest brother usually 
does, being looked up to as an example, and beloved as a 
dispenser of favors. His friends and associates, outside of 
the family circle, we may imagine were objects of especial 
interest to him, as he must have been to them ; for he was 
of a social disposition, free of speech, sympathetic and quite 
averse to concealment. 

Of his religious impressions during the very important 
period — from sixteen to nineteen years of age — it would be 
instructive as well as desirable, to have some account; but 
we can only infer from later manifestations, that he was 
then under the preparing Hand, and that all things were 
working together for good in the case of one who — through 
a walk in the strait and narrow way — developed into a 
highly favored Gospel minister. 

Once, in a public testimony, he referred to an incident 
belonging to this period. He went to New York City to 
transact some business for his father, in that district known 
as " The Swamp." Just before entering the counting- 
house of the first merchant that he was to call on, he was 



26 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

beset by a temptation to depart from tbe " plain language." 
He permitted the reasoner not only to approach him, but to 
persuade him that, in view of his youth and of the seniority 
of those whom he expected to meet, it would be more re- 
spectful to address them with the usual compliments, &c. 
While struggling with this temptation, there was presented 
to his spiritual ear, in language both clear and emphatic, 
the following solemn warning : ^' Choose you this day 
whom ye will serve !" "If the Lord be God, follow Him : 
but if Baal, then follow him." He at once heeded the 
warning, obeyed the injunction, made the choice, and 
went on his way with a peaceful mind. On entering the 
counting-house and attending to the required business, he 
adhered closely to the language in which he had been 
educated, and was never more courteously treated when 
engaged in a business transaction. He regarded that inci- 
dent as a turning-point in his life, and as a test of loyalty to 
his convictions. 

On another occasion, also in public testimony, he spoke 
of the sacrifice that he had had to make in laying aside a 
diamond-pin. It seemed a small thing, and quite harmless 
— so the reasoner usually argues — but he found that his 
peace consisted in taking up the cross and turning a deaf 
ear to the pleadings of the enemy. Here, as in the other 
instance, he was abundantly rewarded; and by such experi- 
ences he was being gently disciplined into a life of simple 
obedience and of unreasoning compliance with every clear 



EARLY MANHOOD, 27 

manifestation of duty. In later life, when great liberties 
were granted him as to outward things, he could recur to 
the close walking and the strict fidelity of his early years, 
and receive the answer of a good conscience for the course 
pursued at both these periods of his life. 



CHAPTER lY. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 

On the thirtieth of Eighth Month, 1838, Samuel J. Lev- 
ick entered upon his twentieth year, and the five years 
which follow this date embrace so much of his religious 
experience that the period might almost be called that of 
his spiritual evolution. 

At the beginning of it we find him deeply interested in 
the " moral reform" movements which Avere then claiming 
so much of the attention of intelligent, humane and progres- 
sive people, and which, at the same time, were arousing a 
spirit of antagonism that found vent in bitter retort, daring 
threats and frequent acts of mob violence. Incendiary 
fires, wilful destruction of property, and even loss of life, 
resulted from the fearless utterances of the Abolitionists 
and the vengeful spirit of their opponents. The leaders in 
these reforms — and most especially in the anti-slavery cause 



28 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

—were men and women of great personal courage and high 
moral character, while their intellectual abilitj^ was unques- 
tioned, even by their enemies. Many of them, however, 
were "Ultraists," and some went to extremes that the sober 
thought of after years could hardly justify, and that many 
of their contemporaries claimed were retarding, rather than 
advancing, the causes which they were so zealously advo- 
cating. 

Amid the turmoil that resulted from the agitation of the 
" reformers" and the intolerance of their combative oppon- 
ents, the Society of Friends occupied a peculiar, if not a 
unique position. They had washed their hands from the 
stain of slavery ; they were opposed to all warfare with car- 
nal weapons; they had taken an advanced position in the 
matter of abstinence from alcoholic liquors, and they were 
friends and helpers to the poor and oppressed of all classes. 
The city of Philadelphia had long been noted for its be- 
nevolent institutions, and some of the most efficient and 
indefatigable workers in these were Friends, so that, of the 
members of this religious denomination — they object to 
being called a sect — it might almost be said that humanity, 
temperance and non-resistance came to them, as did their 
membership in the Society, by birthright. With such an 
inheritance, and with a training favorable to morality and 
humanity, it was quite natural that they should take an 
interest in the good works which the "■ reformers" were 
endeavoring to promote, and hence it was that in both 



EARLY MANHOOD. 29 

branches of the Society were to be found many young 
people — and some older ones — who attended Anti-slavery 
and Peace Meetings, and some who joined the " Washing- 
tonians." 

Having once joined any of these societies, the tendency 
was forward, and activity in one seemed to prepare the way 
for joining another, so that agitation was the order of the 
^ day, and quietness and cautiousness were regarded as evi- 
dences of apathy. Many zealous ones — particularly among 
the young Friends — were earnest in their appeals to their 
more conservative brethren and sisters to join in the good 
work, and to open Friends' meeting-houses to the lecturers — 
mostly from [N^ew England — who were traveling through the 
Middle States. To these appeals the staid conservatives 
could only reply, "We favor the cause, but not the manner 
of advocating it, or the means employed to promote it. We 
are a peculiar people, and while we appreciate your earnest- 
ness, and fully believe in your sincerity, we cannot advise 
our members to join these organizations, or to countenance 
them by attending their meetings." 

Such were the existing conditions, in and out of the So- 
ciety of Friends, when the subject of these Memoirs had 
attained the age of nineteen years. Being ardent of tem- 
perament, quick of perception, keenly sympathetic, and 
aglow with the aspirations of early manhood, it seemed not 
only natural, but highly probable, that he would become 
interested in the reformatorv movements that Avere beins^ 



30 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVIOK. 

started or advanced in his native city. With a pure heart, 
a good conscience, excellent physical health, and great 
proneness to activity, he wanted to be doing something for 
the good of his fellow-man. Here were opportunities by 
which his activity could — as he then thought — be turned to 
good account, and he was not only ready, but eager to 
embrace them. So, as might be expected, we find him 
entering heartily into the great work of " Moral Reform." 

On the first day of the year 1839, Samuel J. Levick 
began to keep a diary, and for nearly two years he made 
daily entries of the state of the weather, his proceedings, 
his observations, or his reflections; and not infrequently we 
find all four in the brief space (it was a pi'epared diary) 
allotted to one day. He was minute in his records of the 
weather, also of the manner in which he had employed his 
time, and, while living in the city, he usually noted the 
time of his getting home in the evening. 

This record gives us an insight into the society or organ- 
ized work in which he was engaged, and furnishes us with 
the names of his co-workers and intimate friends. The 
reader will not fail to observe the indications of his spir- 
itual growth, as evinced in the account of his Gospel labors 
in the southern part of the city on First-day afternoons. 

A few of the early entries in the diary are given nearly 
in full, and, later on, selections are made of such portions 
as seem to indicate his development during these two years. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 31 



THE DIAKY. 



Third-clay, First Month 1st, 1839. In the morning, clear 
and cold. Thermometer at nine a. m. fifteen degrees above 
zero. At three p. m. twenty-three degrees. The Delaware 
fast opposite the city. Ice very thick. The evening passed 
with sundry persons at Joseph Price's. Home between ten 
and eleven. 

2nd. In the morning cloudy ; snowed Borne. . . . Ther- 
mometer at nine a. m. twenty-six degrees. Spent the even- 
ing at a meeting of JSorthern Liberties Anti-Slavery So- 
ciety. Spoke on the question — " In what manner would 
the abolition of slavery benefit the workingmen of the 
North?" Home a little after ten o'clock. 

3rd. Morning cloudy and warm. Thermometer, thirty- 
five degrees. In the evening attended the meeting of our 
Philadelphia Peace Society, held in the Universalist Church, 
on Callowhill Street. Being President, I introduced to the 
meeting William Ladd, of Maine, who delivered an address 
on " The Forming of a Congress of IN'ations." Home at 
nine o'clock, or soon after. 

4th. A general thaw; walking very bad. In the evening 
attended the regular meeting of the Junior Anti-Slavery 
Society. Discussed the question, " Is slave-holding under 
all circumstances, sinful?" I took the aflirmative. Some 
excitement was produced by an appeal from a decision of 
the chair. Home between ten and eleven. 



32 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

5th. Thermometer at nine a. m. thirty-four degrees. 
Cleared oif about noon. Spent the evening at Joseph 
Price's. They had with them some of their friends from 
Wilmington, and some who reside in this city. It was 
a very agreeable company. Home between ten and eleven 
o'clock. 

First-day, 6th. Fine morning. Froze a little in the night. 
Attended E'orth Meeting, at which I arrived late. Sarah 
Hillman appeared in supplication. Afternoon, wrote a letter 
to a friend; then Thomas S. Cavender called for me, and 
we went to " Little Wesley " Methodist Meeting. After 
their service had concluded, I had something to say to them 
by way of encouragement, and I felt comforted in being 
with them. Took tea at James Mott's, and attended Cherry 
Street Meeting in the evening. 

Second-day, 7th. Cloudy morning ; froze some in the 
night. Received from Abby Kelly, of Middlebury, Yt., a 
letter, introducing Joseph Wall as an abolitionist, ultraist, 
&c. Passed the evening at a meeting of the Board of Man- 
agers of Junior Anti-Slavery Society. I was appointed on 
three committees — Distribution, Ways and Means, and 
Moral and Intellectual Improvement of the Colored People. 

Third-day, 8th. A very mild day, like spring. The tow- 
boats brought some of the vessels that were below, up as 
far as Walnut Street wharf, and took one down. Ice fast 
above. Spent the evening at the Colored School, held for 
the first time in Sandiford Hall, to which it had been re- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 33 

moved from Clarkson Hall. At the close of the school went 
home with M. Paxson. 

Fourth-day, 9th. Weather colder, and wind northwest. 
Took a number of publications to the [N^orthern Liberties 
Anti-Slavery Society. Passed the evening with father and 
mother at uncle Samuel Jones's in a large company. It was 
after eleven o'clock when we arrived at home. 

Fifth-day, 10th. Spent the evening at the school for 
colored men, under our charge. After school stepped into 
the meeting of City Anti-Slavery Society. On my way 
home stopped to see Thomas BroAvn. 

First-day, 13th. Went with Thomas S. Cavender to 
Methodist Meeting on Coates Street. Took tea at Jesse 
Roberts's, and attended Cherry Street Meeting in the even- 
ing. George Truman spoke. 

Third-day, 15th. Spent the evening in writing, and in 
arranging my accounts as Treasurer of Junior Anti-Slavery 
Society. 

Fourth-day, 16th. Spent the evening at the meeting of the 
jS'orthern Liberties Anti-Slavery Society. Discussion as on 
the previous evening. Charles C. Burleigh spoke on the 
affirmative side. 

17th. Went to our school. Spent some time, and then 
went round to the Workingmen's Anti-Slavery Meeting, 
addressed b}' L. Peck. After distributing some papers 
there, I returned to our school, and closed it by reading 
from the Xational Reader. Came part way home with T. 



34 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

S. Cavender, T. Child, L. Peck, Greorge Justice and Wm. 
Nichols. 

18th. Spent the evening at the meeting of the Junior 
Anti-Slaverj Society. Discussed the question, " Is Intem- 
perance a greater evil than Slavery?" I took the negative. 

19th. Passed this evening at T. S. Cavender's, where I 
met the Distributing Committee. R. Johnson and T. P. 
Ellis in attendance. 

First-day, 20th. Went down town, and stepped into a 
meeting of colored people on Little Pine Street. Made a 
few remarks after their service had closed. 

22nd. Spent the evening at Jesse Roberts's in company 
with Ellen Foulke. A very pleasant evening. 

23rd. In the evening a discussion at the I*Torthern Lib- 
erties Anti-Slavery Society, " Ought Slavery to be Imme- 
diately Abolished?" 

25th. Evening at the Northern Lyceum. A very rainy 
day. 

First-day, 27th. At Sixth Street Meeting in the morning 
and Cherry Street in the evening. The heavy rain of yes- 
terday caused the water in the Schuylkill to rise to a height 
not known to have been surpassed for a period dating as 
far back as 1798. The damage to merchandise, shipping 
and buildings, has been very great. The Baltimore & Phila- 
delphia R. R. bridge was carried away. 

29th. At our school for colored men, met Joseph Parrish, 
Jr., and R. Knight. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 35 

30th. Spent the evening at the Menagerie, in company 
with several young friends. I felt as if I could not approve 
of the practice of confining the beasts, and depriving them 
of those rights which their Creator gave them to enjoy. 

Second Month 1st. Spent the evening at the Junior 
Anti-Slavery Society. A fine, large meeting. I made a 
few remarks. 

3rd. In the morning at Green Street Meeting, and heard 
a sermon from Stephen Tread well. Afternoon, in company 
with Joseph Parrish, Jr., attended the colored Baptist Meet- 
ing. Had a very satisfactory time. Took tea at Aunt Mary 
Dolby's, and went to Cherry Street Meeting in the evening. 
Heard a great sermon from Stephen Treadwell. 

4th. In the evening went to the meeting of the Board .of 
Managers of the Peace Society, and then to the managers' 
meeting of the E'orthern Liberties Anti-Slavery Society. 

5th. At the meeting of the County Anti-Slavery Society. 

6th. Went with Joseph Parrish, Jr., to the meeting of 
the Association of Friends for Pleading the Cause of the 
Slave. 

7th. Spent the evening partly at J. Roberts's, and then 
went to our school for colored men. After its close met 
the Board of Managers of the Junior Anti-Slavery Society, 
and Committee for Improving the Moral and Intellectual 
Condition of Colored People. It met at Enoch Lewis's. 

8th. Died, this day, Jonathan Evans, an elder in the 
Society of Friends. 



36 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

9th. Passed the evening partly at the ^N'orthern Lyceum, 
and the remainder at J. Roberts's in company with my 
friend, Ellen Foulke. 

10th. At Sixth Street Meeting in the morning, and 
heard Daniel Wheeler, from England. He preached an ex- 
cellent sermon ; a real old-fashioned Quaker sermon^ calling 
Friends to the light of Christ in their own hearts. In the 
afternoon at Union Methodist Meeting on Coates Street. . 
In the evening at Cherry Street, where John Jackson 
preached a powerful sermon. 

15th. The Junior Anti-Slavery Society had a stated dis- 
cussional meeting. A number of unrul}' boys and men 
manifested a disposition to disturb us, but we were not 
prevented from going on with our meeting. While I was 
speaking, an attempt was made to interrupt, but I heeded it 
not. 

17th. At Sixth Street Meeting in the morning. In the 
afternoon, went to the Zore Methodist Meeting, where I 
had a satisfactory time. 

19th. In the evening, at a meeting of the Philadelphia 
Peace Society — a small gathering, but some discussion. 
When will the people of this so-called Christian land be 
aroused to the importance of this subject ? 

20th. This evening attended a lecture at the meeting- 
house of our colored friends on St. Mary's Street. 

21st. This evening, while at J. Price's I heard an alarm 
of lire. I ran with the United States Engine Company, and 



EARLY MANHOOD. 37 

assisted in putting it out. Home soon after nine o'clock, 
and put on dry clothing. 

23rd. Was elected Secretary at the Northern Lyceum. 

24th. At Sixth Street Meeting in the morning and 
Cherry Street in the evening. In the afternoon went to the 
" Little Wesley " Meeting, and heard an excellent sermon 
from a colored friend, named Harris. I spoke to them, 
calling their attention to the great evils that are covering 
our brethren in Small Street. Tried to induce them to 
take some measures to reclaim these erring ones. I had a 
very satisfactory time with them. 

28th. Our colored school closed for the season. 

Third Month 1st. Our Junior Anti-Slavery Society had 
an enthusiastic meeting, and a very large one. The cause 
is progressing with rapid strides, and we are gratified to 
think that ere long the day will come when the whole Xorth 
will rise up in judgment against slavery. 

2nd. Went to Wilmington in company with Joseph 
Parrish, Jr., and lodged at Samuel Smith's with our friend 
Thomas Foulke, who is a teacher in Samuel's school. 

3rd. Attended Wilmington Meeting; visited at Benja- 
min Ferris's and Samuel Woolstan's and then returned to 
Samuel Smith's. Our visit has been a delightful one, and 
I believe it may have a good effect, as the subject of non- 
resistance was discussed, and its benefits made known. 

5th. Went to the Marshall Debating Society, where the 



38 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

question was discussed, " Ought slavery to be immediately 
abolished ?" 

11th. Spent the evening at a meeting of the Board of 
Managers of Junior Anti-Slavery Society, at which was of- 
fered a resolution authorizing two of our members — if it 
should be found necessary — to wait on the Mayor and re- 
quest him to send some of his officers to protect our meet- 
ing and keep order, and for us to recompense them if 
thought proper. The resolution was adopted. I am very 
much opposed to it, 

14th. Passed the evening at a meeting of the Philadel- 
phia Peace Society; but the cause seems to have very few 
advocates in this city. Five members and six spectators 
composed the meeting, although the notice of it had been 
published in two of the most widely circulated newspapers 
in the city. 

17th. At Sixth Street Meeting in the morning. After 
dinner went down town among some of my colored breth- 
ren and sisters, and talked to them of the impropriety of 
certain courses that they were pursuing. Stayed their meet- 
ing at " Little Wesley." Having heard that there was to 
be a meeting in Small Street, I went there, and found 
a large gathering, composed of those who are debased in 
sin. They had congregated to hear what the Lord, through 
his servant, would have to say. Oh ! what a satisfactory 
time we had ; it was a season of thankfulness to me, for I 



EARLY MANHOOD. 39 

feel as if some good has been clone, and that there is great 
cause for encouragement in this work. 

19th. Attended Preparative Meeting at Sixth Street, aqd 
presented — on behalf of the Female Anti-Slavery Society — 
a request for the use of the Meeting House for holding a 
Convention of American Women. It met with great oppo- 
sition ; not one word being said in favor of it. I was in- 
duced to rise myself; being the first time that I ever spoke 
in a Friends' Meeting. Our English Friend, Robinson, 
being there, came to me after meeting and spoke encour- 
^ginglj' to me. In the evening attended a meeting for col- 
ord persons, at Cherry Street Meeting House. It had been 
called by Lucretia Mott and D. Coates. 

22nd. In the evening at the Heading Association at Dr. 
Joseph Parrish's. Had a very pleasant time, and became a 
member. Home at half-past ten. 

24th. At Sixth Street, in the morning, and in the after- 
noon went down to Small Street, collected some people 
hastily, and read to them for over an hour. Took supper 
at James Fortun's, and then went to our meeting on Small 
Street, where we had a very satisfactory time. 

26th. This evening at a meeting amongst some of our 
poor and debased colored people, residing on Small Street 
and vicinity. 

28th. Was at Green Street Meeting, and witnessed the 
marriage of Henry T. Child and Anna R. Pickering. Signed 
my name to the certificate as a witness. 



40 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

29th. Attended an evening meeting at Cherry Street, 
appointed by Stephen Tread well, for the young people. He 
preached a powerful sermon. Called at George Truman's 
to see Stephen, and had conversation with him on various 
subjects. 

30th. Having heard that Clementine Roberts [daughter 
of Jesse] was very ill, I w^ent up there and spent the even- 
ing. Found her very low indeed. Did not expect to see 
her again this side of eternity. Little did we think a few 
months ago that she would so soon be called to render her 
final account. Time for her has been short. 

31st. After attending meeting at Sixth Street, called to 
see how Clementine was ; found her more easy. I asked 
her if she knew me; she said "yes!" and having hold of 
her hand, she raised it up and said "farewell !" The last 
farewell from one as young as myself impressed me forcibly 
with the frailty of physical life, and with the truth of the 
expression, " The young may die." 

Passed the afternoon happily with my poor colored broth- 
ers and sisters who reside in the dens of vice and infamy. 
I read and explained to them, and then pleaded with them 
as to the importance of making peace with God, ere death 
shall cut them off. Being without help outwardly, I had 
considerable difficulty in collecting them ; but by persever- 
ing I had the satisfaction of seeing the room filled in a short 
time after I began to read; and it was a source of thankful- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 41 

ness unto our Heavenly Father. " The harvest truly is 
plenteous, but the laborers are few." 

Fourth Month 1st. This morning about live o'clock 
Clementine Roberts departed this life, aged twenty-one 
years. Thus we find that " in the midst of life we are in 
death." In the evening went to Manayunk to speak on 
behalf of the slave, in a discussion. Charles C. Burleigh 
was there, and spoke well. Distributed a number of the 
''Penna. Freeman," extra. 

3rd. In the afternoon attended the funeral of Clementine. 
The interment was at the Western Ground. 

6th. In the afternoon procured tracts to be distributed 
among our colored brethren. In the evening heard a very 
interesting lecture by Jos. R. Chandler, at the Northern 
Lyceum. 

Fourth Month 7th. A fine warm morning. Thermome- 
ter sixty degrees at nine o'clock. Attended Sixth Street 
Meeting in the forenoon, and after dinner went with Joseph 
Parrish, Jr., among the most debased of our colored brethren 
and sisters, who reside in the vicinity of Small Street. We 
had about thirty of them collected, and affer some reading, 
talked to them of the importance of a change of life ; en- 
couraging those who had determined to do better, to proceed 
on their upward course. My friend Joseph had considera- 
ble to say. My heart is made glad in being with these peo- 
ple, and I feel encouraged to prosecute the work. Oh! that 
there were more who would be willing to assist in it. In 



42 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

the evening we went to Joshua Hallowell's, and to Eramor 
Kimbers', where we met with several of our brethren in the 
anti-slavery cause, and passed an agreeable evening. 

10th. Left this morning for Boston, via ^ew York where 
I arrived about two o'clock. Passed nearly three hours 
running about town, and then embarked on the steamer 
" John W. Richmond," for Providence. The passage was a 
rough one, but the quickest ever made by this boat from 
New York to Providence, via Newport. 

11th. Arrived in Providence a little after ^ve o'clock, 
and took the train for Boston, which we reached soon after 
seven. Attended to considerable business during the fore- 
noon, and after dinner took the train for Lynn, arriving 
there about half-past three o'clock. Took tea at Ezra 
Baker's, and in the evening went to an Anti-Slavery meet- 
ing which was addressed by Wendel Phillips, Oliver John- 
son and Isaac Collins. Went home with James P. Boyce. 

12th. A stormy morning, and I passed it in walking 
about among the shoe men of Lynn. Dined at Nathan 
Breed's, and took tea at D. Chase's, returning to James 
Boyce's to lodge; 

13th. Went to Boston and attended to some business, 
also met Edward Quincy, Maria W. Chapman, and several 
others. Returned to Lynn in the afternoon, and visited at 
Ezra Baker's. 

14th. Stormed all day. Attended Friends' Meeting at 
Lynn, both morning and afternoon. Dined at William Bas- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 43 

sett's and supped at Daniel Johnson's. Passed a very agree- 
able evening. 

15th. At ten o'clock took leave of my kind friends, and 
went to Boston, which I left at four o'clock by train for 
Stonington, Conn. It was half-past eight when we boarded 
the boat for 'New York. Spent the evening, till about 
eleven o'clock, in conversation with a Southern man, upon 
the evil eiFects of slavery and the remedy for it. Our steam- 
er, the " Rhode Island," arrived in New York about six 
o'clock. Before breakfast took a view of New York, and 
found it to be a great city. Breakfasted at City Hotel. 

lt)th. Attended to some business in New York, and at 
forty-five minutes after four in the afternoon, embarked for 
Philadelphia, where I arrived at half-past eleven o'clock, in 
company with Isaac Bassett, of Lynn. 

17th. Attended a sitting of our Yearly Meeting, and 
spent a part of the evening at home in company with L. B. 
Peirce and James Bruff. 

18th. Attended Sixth Street Meeting in the morning 
and heard some excellent preaching; it might have, been 
called real Quaker doctrine. Went to the Yearly Meeting in 
the afternoon, and heard from the Committee on Slavery an 
excellent report; but it was too close — especially in regard 
to the use of the products of slave labor — for Friends gen- 
erally ; and it could not be adopted. After considerable 
discussion it was referred to the Committee on Epistles. 
How sorrowful it is to me to lind such a bowino; at the 



44 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

shrine of Mammon. We do not serve our God who made 
Heaven and earth, but we serve the god of this world, and 
to him we bow down continually. 

J 9th. Attended the afternoon session of Yearlj^ Meeting, 
which closed it for this year. It was a very satisfactory 
occasion, and a minute was read and adopted concerning 
slavery. 

20th. Spent the evening at the Northern Lyceum. The 
question discussed was " Which tends more to the advance- 
ment of Literature, a Monarchical or a Republican form ot 
Government ?" 

21st. Attended Sixth Street Meeting in the morning 
and heard Joseph John Gurney preach. He intimated his 
being about to leave us. In the afternoon Rowland John- 
son and I visited Small Street, and oh, how we mourned 
over the degradation, ignorance and vice of these poor peo- 
ple ! Our hearts' desire is that God may continue to send 
laborers into this field. We were strengthened by a friend 
who came to join us, and although differing a little in re- 
ligions views, we can unite in our efforts in this wide field 
of labor. 

22nd. Spent the evening at our Peace Society Meeting, 
and heard one of the best of lectures on non-resistance. It 
w^as delivered by Henry C. Wright. Oh ! may there be 
more who are willing to labor in this field, for, as it seems 
to me, it is one of our Heavenly Father's planting! 

27th. Spent the evening partly in going to a fire, and 



EARLY MANHOOD. 45 

the remainder at M. Oram's, in company with sundry friends 
of the cause of the slave. 

28th. At Cherry Street Meeting in the morning, and in 
the afternoon in company with John Jackson, attended the 
funeral of Deborah Moulson. John spoke at the grave. 
On my return stopped at Small Street. I had considerable 
to say there, and had to come out plainly concerning those 
rum-selling shops, and to caution the people against going 
into them. A little tenderness was manifested by some; 
may they be aroused and reclaimed from their terrible con- 
dition. 

29th. After dinner took brother James and Richard L. 
BruiF to Westtown Boarding School. Arrived there about 
dark, and passed the evening with the teachers. Had some 
very interesting conversation upon non-resistance, and left 
Avith them a number of papers for their perusal. 

Fifth Month 1st. Visited the colored public school, on 
Sixth Street near Lombard, and was truly delighted to see 
so many children there deriving benefits of which their 
parents had been so unjustly deprived. Spent the evening 
at the Association of Friends for Promoting the Abolition 
of Slavery, and the Improvement of the Free People of 
Color. It was an excellent meeting. 

3rd. The Anti-Slavery Convention of American Wom- 
en, who have had their meeting this week, held their ses- 
sions in a riding-school, the only place which they could 



46 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. . 

procure; the meeting-houses of Friends being applied for, 
but refused. 

4th. Evening. Meeting of the Northern Lyceum. A 
lecture from Rufus Jones upon the " Dangers besetting 
Republicanism in the United States." 

5th. Attended Cherry Street Meeting in the morning 
with Christopher Robinson, of Lynn. Had an excellent 
meeting. Li the afternoon took him to Bethel, and my 
friend, Rowland, and myself repaired to our meeting on 
Small Street. My esteemed brother was called to labor 
with a forsaken soul, who was visited with sickness in a 
dismal cellar. Oh ! we know not the amount of suffering 
these poor people endure ! Where are the Samaritans, 
who should be pouring the oil into their wounds ? Spent 
the evening at a meeting on Callowhill Street wharf, ap- 
pointed by John Jackson and George Truman. It was a 
satisfactory opportunity. 

6th. A number of our friends left Philadelphia this 
morning to attend a meeting of the " American States 
Society," to be held in l^ew York. In the evening met the 
Education Committee of Friends' Association for Pleading 
the Cause of the Slave; then went to a meeting of the Board 
of the Northern Liberties Anti-Slavery Society. 

7th. Attending to business, also to matters pertaining to 
Anti-Slavery. In the evening at the County Anti-Slavery 
Meeting. 

9th. Purchased some free sugar at Lydia White's. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 47 

10th. Had the company of my friend, James Boyce, and 
later that of William Oliver, from Lynn, Mass. In the 
evening William and I were at the Exchange, at D. Cool- 
ey's, at a meeting of the Board of Managers of the Moral 
Reform Society, at the Chinese Museum, and then made a 
call on Kobert Smith, Editor of The Friend, after which we 
came home. 

12th. First-day, attended Cherry Street Meeting, it be- 
ing the week of their Yearly Meeting. Had an excellent 
meeting. In the afternoon accompanied two Friends to 
our meeting on Small Street. Had a large gathering for 
the place ; the people listened with close attention. I said 
a little at the close. In the evening went with T. M'C, to 
his appointed meeting at Bethel ; it was large and interest- 
ing. 

13th. In the evening attended a meeting of the County 
Anti-Slavery Society, held in Clarkson Hall. A good deal 
of feeling for the slave was manifested. 

14th. Evening meeting of the Association of Friends for 
Pleading the Cause of the Slave. 

15th. With T. M'C, at the "Brick Wesley" Methodist 
Meeting, he having a desire to be with our colored brethren 
and sisters at their worship. 

16th. This evening with T. M'C, at the Union Colored 
Meeting on Coates Street. Full meeting and a satisfactory 
time. 

17th. This day is the anniversary of the burning of 



48 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Pennsylvania Hall by a mob. In the evening we had a 
full meeting of the Junior Anti-Slavery Society. It was 
addressed by C. C. Burleigh. 

18th. In the evening at the E'orthern Lyceum. Small 
meeting. 

19th. Attended Sixth Street Meeting in the morning, 
and in the afternoon repaired as usual to Small Street. Al- 
though outwardly alone, I had strength from above, and, 
after having read a little from the Bible, I was led to speak 
to the people for a length of time, to the peace of my own 
mind. I distributed a number of tracts among them, and 
then went to St. Mary's Street, where I had some interest- 
ing conversation with these poor people, for whom my heart 
yearns. 

20th and 21st. Attending the State Anti-Slavery Meet- 
ing at Norristown. When the subject of political action was 
brought up, I spoke at some length. The resolution favor- 
ing such action was laid upon the table. 

22nd. Passed the evening at Joseph Price's, and had a 
quiet, satisfactory visit, marked with a considerable degree 
of seriousness. I felt quite dull on account of the many 
things I see which wound my feelings. Oh, these cities ! 
The wickedness, suffering and affliction that abound are 
saddening to contemplate. 

23rd. This evening at Benedict Dorsey's. The conver- 
sation was upon subjects of vital importance to the human 
soul. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 49 

24th. At William Dorse j's in the evening. It was 
passed in a rational manner, much to my satisfaction. 

25th. At Samuel Henzey's this evening. It was a so- 
cial, friendly opportunity. I have passed these four even- 
ings with my friends, feeling it was my duty thus to mingle 
with them sociall}^ and converse upon matters of weighty 
importance. 

26th. Attended Sixth Street Meeting in the morning. 
In the afternoon went down among the people in the south- 
ern part of our city. Felt induced to call some together in 
a yard on Small Street. A woman residing in the next 
house came and ordered us out. I went out and waited, 
and, after some time, the so-called owner of the property 
came and opened it. I commenced speaking, and in a little 
while the people began to collect. After a number had 
come in, the same woman that had ordered me out came 
up and commenced pushing me. I continued speaking, 
and soon she left me for a time, and then came back with a 
rattan in her hand, but she did not use it, only pushed me, 
and continued doing so until I was in the street. Here I 
spoke for some time, warning the people to " flee from the 
wrath to come," and exhorting them to turn unto Christ, 
the Light within them. After I had spoken some time, an 
individual who kept a rum-shop came up and pushed me 
out into the street. But I had already said what I had to 
say. Some of my hearers took oftense at the man's rough 
treatment of me, and they would have quarreled, but I 



50 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

interfered, and insisted that they should not disturb one 
another. The Lord's power preserved me. 

29th. In the afternoon started for Eichland in company 
with John C. Lester, who had invited me to go home with 
him. "We stopped over night at Job Mather's, at Whit- 
pain, where we passed a pleasant evening. 

30th. Proceeded on the journey, traveling slowly and 
conversing upon important subjects. When we arrived at 
Quakertown I stopped at John Foulke's, where the evening 
was passed agreeably and instructively. 

31st. Attended Richland Monthly Meeting of Friends 
(not our branch), where I was considerably tried in mind 
concerning so many cases of acknowledgment for marr^'ing 
out of the Society. 

Sixth Month 1st. Came to the city in company with E. 
Foulke. We had a pleasant journey of six and a half 
hours. In the evening went to the Lyceum and attended 
to my duties as secretary. 

2nd. At Sixth Street Meeting in the morning, and in 
the afternoon visited our colored friends in the southern 
part of the city. I gave them some advice, and I hope it 
was given in a proper spirit. Those who collected in our 
meeting were addressed to the peace of my mind. My 
friend, Dillwyn Jones, was with me. 

4th. In the evening at Commissioners' Hall, hearing 
Joshua Coffin give an account of his journey to and from 



EARLY MANHOOD. 51 

Memphis, Tenn., where he went to bring back a colored 
man who had been kidnapped from l^ew York. 

6th. Left the citj at eight o'clock in company with Re- 
becca and Ljdia Price, for Wilmington, Del. We went to 
attend the marriages of the two sisters, Catharine and Eliz- 
abeth Woolston. The former was wedded to Ell wood Ga- 
net and the latter to Albert Smith. It was eleven o'clock 
when we arrived in Wilmington, and on getting to the 
meeting it was too late to witness the ceremonies. We 
dined at the wedding house, also spent the evening there, 
with about one hundred invited guests. An agreeable 
time. 

9th. Attended Darby Meeting, where John Jackson was 
much favored in the ministry. In the afternoon came back 
to the city and stopped in the lower part. Had a satisfac- 
tory opportunity at the house of a white woman who sells 
liquor. Then attended our meeting on Small Street, and 
afterwards went to Shippen Street and addressed a number 
who had collected in a short time. 

13th. On visiting a sick person in Small Street, I heard 
of a meeting this evening at " Brick Wesley." I went 
there, and was so much exercised in mind that I found I 
could not leave without throwing off my concern by stand- 
ing up publicly and proclaiming unto the people what the 
Lord gave me to say. After doing so I was relieved, and 
went home praising the Lord. 

15th. Went to Burlington in company with Joseph Par- 



52 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

rish, Jr., and on the boat met with several friends. Among 
them were Sarah Grimke, Angelina G. Weld, J. Healy, 
John G. Whittier and Ebenezer Hughes. J. P. and myself 
made a visit at the home of his grandfather, John Cox, at 
Ox Mead. 

16th. Joseph and myself attended a colored meeting. 
It is called " Mount Moriah Church." We heard an excel- 
lent discourse from a Friend named Robert Evans, and 
each of us had something to say. My mind was much re- 
lieved. 

18th. Spent the evening at a meeting of the Philadel- 
phia Peace Society. 

20th. Passed part of the evening at Joseph Price's, in 
company with Albert Smith and wife, and gave to the 
bride some verses that I wrote for her, on her leaving for 
Poughkeepsie. 

21st. Heard Thomas S. Cavender deliver an address on 
" Slavery," before the Junior Anti-Slavery Society. 

23rd. Went this morning to a little meeting of Friends 
who assemble at the house of one of their number, on 
William Street, and hold a meeting every First-day. They 
are colored, and the one who first called the meeting hud 
applied to be taken into membership with Friends at our 
Meeting. His application being refused, he got his friends 
to join him, and hence their present meeting to themselves. 
In the afternoon Joseph Parrish, Jr., and self went down 
into the southern part of the city, where we were joined by 



EARLY MANHOOD. 53 

Susan Grew and Almira Oram, who were a great acquisi- 
tion to us in our work. I was instrumental in preventing 
two white men from injuring each other in a fight. We 
went around to Seventh Street, below Shippen, where we 
beheld objects that were soul-sickening. While we were 
collecting the people, our sisters read to them. Then I had 
a good deal to comraiunicate unto them, in the love of God, 
warning them, and calling them unto Christ, their Re- 
deemer, and their Saviour. Almira then appeared in sup- 
plication, and we separated in the love of God. Returned 
to our meeting-place in Small Street, where I had some 
service to perform for the Lord, much to the peace of my 
mind. 

26th. In the afternoon rode out to the home of William 
Rhoads and family, at Newtown, Delaware County, for the 
purpose of seeing the place and the people [with a view 
to going there to learn farming]. They treated me very 
kindly and I remained Avith them over night. 

•28th. Ill the evening at the Northern Liberties Anti- 
Slavery Meeting. It was orderly until near the close, when 
there was some confusion. 

30th. Attended Sixth Street Meeting in the morning, 
and in the afternoon went down to the field of our labors, 
in company with Rowland Johnson and Edmund Benson. 
On our arrival we met Mark Bradway, Almira Oram and 
Susan Grew. In visiting at one of the houses I found a 
sick man to whom I was led to speak of the necessity of a 



54 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

preparation for another life. I then felt drawn into prayer 
on behalf of himself and family. Our friends collected a 
number on the street, and to these I was led to speak in a 
voice of warning, " To flee from the wrath to come." It 
was a quiet and satisfactory meeting. After this went to a 
vacant lot on Seventh Street below Shippen, where our sis- 
ters read to the people while they were collecting, and then 
there was a time of silence. At length I arose, and w^as 
strengthened to give them a word of r-ounsel, calling them 
to Christ, the way, the truth, and the life ; and to the in- 
w^ard law which He revealed in their hearts. The meeting 
was closed by prayer unto our heavenly Father, thanking 
Him for his kindness, and asking Him for strength. The 
people were orderly and some seemed touched; it was a 
precious time. We then went to our Small Street Meeting 
where we found a large number collected. I left a short 
message with them, and found peace in so doing. In the 
evening attended a meeting at Green Street, appointed by 
John Jackson. It was a favored time ; the Lord's name be 
glorified. 

Seventh Month 3rd. Mother and I started on a little 
journey to Delaware and Chester Counties. We went first 
to Chester, where Hannah P. Smith joined us and accom- 
panied us to her father's at Concord ; then loe went to 
Thomas Marshall's to lodge. 

4th. A pleasant morning, and we left for Westtown, ar- 
riving there in time for meeting. It was a silent one. We 



EARLY MANHOOD. 55 

took the boys to dine with us at the Farm House, and after 
dinner I took a ramble with Davis Reese for some flowers. 
Towards evening we left Westtown, and went to West 
Chester, passing the night at the house of John Roberts. 
The borough is beautifully situated in the midst of a fine 
farming country. The air w^as laden with the scent of new 
mown hay, and the abundant harvest was nearly ripe for 
cutting. 

5th. Came home in the afternoon, and in the evening 
went to a meeting of the Junior Anti-Slavery Society. We 
had an excellent meeting, much to my satisfaction, and to 
the promotion of the cause. 

6th. In the morning left home and w^ent to Westfield, 
^. J., to see ]S"athaniel Stokes, and to ascertain whether I 
could obtain a situation there to acquire a knowledge of 
farming. Spent most of the day with him, and met with as 
much success as I had anticipated. Came home in the 
evening. 

7th. Attended the colored Friends' Meeting in Kensing- 
ton, the same that I was at two weeks ago. We had a very 
satisfactory opportunity, much to my peace of mind. In 
the afternoon went to the field of our labor, down town, 
and found much to perform. After our little meeting had 
gathered the Lord's power seemed to cover us with a heav- 
enly canopy. I went there feeling great barrenness, but 
with Divine strength I was led to cry aloud unto the people 
and I trust to the sowino- of s^ood seed in the hearts of some. 



56 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Our friend Edmund Benson spoke much to the purpose, 
and I was led to thank the Lord for his loving kindness. 
May He be glorified and to Him be given all the praise ! 

9th. A fine clear morning. Left, by stage, for Quaker- 
town, where I arrived about noon. The country was beau- 
tiful, the farmers had just commenced harvest, and all things 
bespoke our Maker's loving kindness. ^ Yisited at Dr. 
Carey's and Caleb Foulke's, and went to John Foulke's to 
lodge. 

11th. Went to meeting in the morning, and in the after- 
noon took stage for I^azareth, arriving there about dusk. 
Had comfortable accommodations for the night. 

12th. Rode to the Wind Gap where we breakfasted, and 
I hired a man to take me in a wagon to the tannery. We 
arrived there about eleven o'clock, and I passed the after- 
noon and evening pleasantly Avith the faniily living there. 

13th. Started homeward. Lodged at E'azareth and left 
at five o'clock in the morning, arriving at Quakertown in 
time for meeting. 

14th. After meeting, attended the Association of young 
people at Hannah Foulke's school house. The subject of 
non-resistance was discussed, and I had an opportunity of 
giving my views. After supper started with John Foulke 
for Philadelphia. 

15th. Arrived at home about nine A. M. and found all 
well. 

16th. Quite busy in arranging my affairs preparatory to 



EARLY MANHOOD. 57 

mj' departure for the country, to take up my residence 
there. Although I shall have to deprive myself of much en- 
joyment by the abandonment of those pursuits in which I 
have been so actively engaged, yet believing it my duty so 
to do, I must be content. . . . Passed the evening at a 
meeting of the Peace Society. C. C. Burleigh spoke. 

17th. In the morning I went to the Jersey market, and 
engaged a passage to Westfield. About two o'clock in the 
afternoon I left my father's house, and started for my 
adopted home in the family of Nathaniel Stokes at West- 
field, E". J. [members of the Society of Friends, belonging 
to Chester Monthly Meeting]. I arrived there about six 
o'clock, assisted in hauling some hay, and then passed the 
evening in conversation with the family. 

18th. In the forenoon we attended the week-day meet- 
ing at Westfield, which was small, the house being the one 
that is used for both school and meeting-house. In the 
afternoon we were busy with the hay ; but though engaged 
in body my mind was often turned to the great Fountain of 
light and life, and I found sweet peace. 

19th. A fine morning. Feel a little sore in body from 
the exercise of yesterday, but comfortable in mind. Oh 
what a weight is lifted from me. I^Tow, as I believe, if I 
wait upon the Lord and am watchful, I shall experience a 
growth in the Truth. 

20th. My health is very good, and I have had strength 
to perform what labor has fallen to my lot, without much 



58 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

difficulty ; for which favor I feel thankful. I have this day 
had a taste of some spiritual food from the great Father. 

21st. First-day. A fine rain last night. Oh how thank- 
ful we should be to our Heavenly Father for his many mer- 
cies and blessings. Attended meeting at Westfield. It was 
a good meeting. Our friend Henry Hartshorn had some- 
thing to say unto us which was very acceptable. 

23rd. A busy da}^ as to the outward, yet my heart has 
often been turned to God, and I have had sweet consola- 
tion. 

26th. Our meeting was silent. It was a comfortable one 
to me. In the evening heard some reading from the Scrip- 
tures. 

26th. A very warm day, and a laborious one on the 
farm. Had company in the evening. As I was about to 
retire, between ten and eleven o'clock, it being very moon- 
light, I looked out at the window, and a little bird on one 
of the trees sang very sweetly. 

28th. This morning early started for Philadelphia where 
I arrived in time for breakfast. Attended Cherry Street 
Meeting, and in the afternoon, in company with Edmund 
Benson, went down town, and had a satisfactory time, being 
favored with an evidence of Divine approval. [N'ext morn- 
ing left the city at an early hour, and was at home in time 
for breakfast. 

Eighth Month 4th. Attended meeting, in which I was 
much comforted, having been blessed with a portion of 



EARLY MANHOOD. 59 

heavenly bread. In the afternoon paid a pleasant visit at 
Henry Warrington's. He and I conversed on the subject 
of non-resistance. I found him unwilling to admit it to the 
extent to which I think it should be carried. 

6th. Passed the evening at home, and a considerable 
portion of it was employed in reading the writings of the 
Apostle Paul. 

10th. In Philadelphia. In the afternoon went to hear 
John Scobel from England, who has been on a mission to 
the British West Indies. He gave us a very satisfactory 
and heart-cheering account of the working of emancipation. 
I took tea with my dear friend Rowland Johnson, and we 
spent part of the evening together. We were united in a 
heavenly feeling, and a desire to walk as our dear Re- 
deemer wishes us to, was experienced. 

11th. First-day. Soon after breakfast I called on Row- 
land, and mentioned to him a concern that seemed to rest 
on my mind, to visit the Moyamensing Prison, for the pur- 
pose of having a religious opportunity with the prisoners. 
It was satisfactory to me to learn that he felt a liberty to 
accompany me. After calling to see a sick man on our 
way, and conversing with some of the poor creatures who 
reside in the lower portion of the city, we arrived at the 
prison, and asking for the warden we were introduced to 
one of the keepers, the warden not being present. When 
we stated to him the object of our visit, he inquired whether 
were in the practice of preaching, and to what religious 



60 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

denomination we belonged ? Having satisfied himself upon 
these points, and requested us to take seats in the room, he 
informed us that it was very difficult to speak in the long 
corridor in which the prisoners are confined. We were not 
discouraged by this information, but trusted that He who, 
as we believed, had called us, would make it practicable for 
us to deliver our message. The keeper then withdrew, and 
the clattering of the latches and grating of the doors, led 
us to suppose that he was preparing for our opportunity. 
After awhile he returned, stating that all was ready. We 
followed him into a long avenue where were three tiers of 
cells, one above the other. The doors of the cells were 
opened about one foot, the opening being toward us. After 
taking the place assigned, I arose with these words: ''He 
that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith 
unto the" people. Feeling the covering of the Divine Spirit 
over me, I was strengthened both as to voice and matter, 
and after having spoken some time I sat down with my 
mind measurably relieved. After a season of solemn silence 
interrupted only by the sobs and sighs of these poor crea- 
tures, my friend Rowland arose, and was much favored. 
Then I had a little to add, and again we had a period of 
silence which lasted some time, when I felt bound to ad- 
dress the Throne of Grace on behalf of these my brethren 
and sisters, and in thanks to our dear Master who had so 
manifested himself among us. Rov^land also supplicated, 
after which we were favored with a period of silence under 



EARLY MANHOOD. 61 

the covering of which the opportunity closed. I can truly 
say it was cause for thankfulness unto the great Head of 
the Church that we were permitted to have such an oppor- 
tunity with these debased but precious souls. We were 
treated civilly by the keeper, and invited to come again ; 
we thanked him for his kindness, and with hearts full of 
gratitude to our Heavenly Father, we took our departure. 

In the afternoon when on my way to visit our colored 
friends in the southern part of the city, I. was informed that 
a colored man, said to be a slave, had recently been cap- 
tured. On going some distance farther my attention was 
attracted by a number of persons on the corner of the street. 
I admonished them not to stand there, as it did not look 
well on First-day, and invited them to come to our meeting. 
I then passed up Small Street to Seventh, where I saw a 
number of persons coming out of a tavern. I went over to 
talk to them, and one of them, speaking of the capture of 
the slave, said, " Here is the man who betrayed him ; and 
he is his brother-in-law." Hot words ensued between the 
two. I endeavored to prevent them from coming to blows, 
but to no purpose. At length the betrayer took refuge in 
the tavern, but they pulled him out, and I took hold of him 
to prevent them from injuring him; but some one struck 
him and knocked him down. I assisted him in getting up, 
and kept the people off as well as I could, by talking to 
them ; but he was several times knocked down, and each 
time I helped him up. At length I saw my friends Row- 



bZ LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

land Johnson and Thomas S. Cavender coming. With the 
assistance of these two the man was carried up the street, 
but the crowd came after and occasionally struck him. At 
length they got him down, but I stood over him, and by 
continued expostulation prevented them for a time from 
doing him further injury. While I was thus pleading with 
them, a white man made his way through the crowd and 
struck me. I turned round and walked aw^ay, and the men, 
both white and colored, in the crowd, prevented him from 
injuring me, though he seemed quite ferocious. Shortly 
after, the police officers came, the man was taken away, and 
thus the matter ended. Rowland and myself returned by 
the scene of the late disturbances, and met one who had 
taken part in them. I called him to me and told him why 
I had done as I did. He said they were obliged to me, as I 
had prevented them from doing what they would afterwards 
have been sorry for. I also saw the man who had attempted 
to injure me; but he did not now offer me any harm. We 
passed on to our meeting where a number were collected, 
and were being addressed by our sister in the cause, Almira 
Oram. A colored friend made some remarks, and while he 
was speaking several stones were thrown, one of which 
struck one of the congregation. I cautioned them to be 
still, and our friend concluded his remarks. There was con- 
siderable excitement among the people, but feeling an irre- 
sistible call upon me to rise, I stood up, and in loud voice — 
for some of them were a considerable distance off — men- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 63 

tioned to them the object of our meeting, and stated that it 
Avas open to all to come. A number of persons came in 
for the purpose of making a disturbance, bringing their 
dogs along ; but before I had spoken many minutes all was 
still. The power of the Lord seemed to cover us, and it 
was a highly favored time. A sister in the work then arose, 
and although her complexion was darker than ours, I believe 
her heart had been made white, by the cleansing power of 
the redeeming spirit of Christ. Several spoke, and oh ! 
what cause we had to thank our Heavenly Father for his 
care over us. My heart was humbled under a sense of his 
preservation through the dangers of this day, and I felt a 
flow of that peace which the world knows not of. 

12th. My throat felt a little sore from the excessive use 
of it, on the da}^ preceding. I spent part of the morning 
in attending to the captured man who is claimed as a slave. 
In the evening returned to m}^ country home. 

13th. Attended Monthly Meeting at Moorestown. 

14th. My first experience in plowing, and I find that by 
proper attention I can plow, even sod, quite easily. Passed 
the evening at home, reading and conversing on religious 
subjects. 

17th. During the day I was busy plowing. Feel very 
well as regards ph3^sical health, and very happy in every 
particular. In the evening read in the life of Samuel Bow- 
nas, and was much interested ; finding encouragement for 
my own soul to persevere in the cause of Truth. 



64 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

I8th. At Westfield Meeting. T. Warrington spoke on 
the subject of knowing the Lord and serving Him. 

22nd. Down at the landing all day unloading a float. 
Passed the evening in listening to the reading of Thomas 
Shillitoe's Journal. It was both interesting and instructive. 

25th. First-day, attended meeting and was much com- 
forted. In the afternoon feeling as if I must go to Burling- 
ton, I attended to the impression, and when I got there I 
found, to my surprise, my dear mother and sister Anna. 
Our meeting was as unexpected as it was agreeable. Came 
home by moonlight. The ride was pleasant, and my mind 
was filled with praise to God for his goodness. 

26th. Attended to my plowing, and can say that I am 
greatly pleased with my occupation. It aflbrds much time 
for serious contemplation, and gives the mind an opportunity 
to soar from Nature up to l*Tature's God. Read some in the 
evening. 

27th. While working on the farm I had a very com- 
fortable time, and found satisfaction in bringing to mind 
our dependent situation, and our great need to be thankful 
for the mercies and favors heaped upon us. 

28th. My dear friend, Rowland Johnson, with me last 
night. This morning I took him to Moorestown to meet 
the stage. In the evening there was some young company 
here, and .they seemed to enjoy themselves, but I could not 
enter into the mirth. 

30th. My twentieth birthday. The weather being very 



EARLY MANHOOD. 65 

stormy I did but little out of doors, but occupied the time 
in reading to the fJamilv, and in writing to my brother Wil- 
liam, and to my dear friend E. F. 

Ninth Month 1st. Started for the city quite early and 
arrived in time for breakfast with my father's family. 
Found them all well. Attended ]^orth Meeting, where 
Rowland Johnson had a^ few words to say. In the after- 
noon he and I distributed tracts on intemperance, and then 
went visiting families in our district. Before leaving the 
neighborhood I found I must go to our little gathering, 
where I had to speak unto the people in the fear of the 
Lord. I was strengthened for the work, for which let his 
name be praised. I went home in the evening. 

3rd. Passed the evening in hearing ^N'athaniel Stokes 
read in George Fox's Journal, which was very consoling to 
me. 

4th. Although a daily mention is not made of my feel- 
ings, yet the Divine Master's mercies are, I trust, apprecia- 
ted, and my soul daily has sweet converse with the God of 
my life. 

5th. Attended week-day meeting, and had an excellent 
one, in which I was much comforted, my mind being gath- 
ered to the great Minister of ministers. 

9th. Busy with my team, but while thus occupied had 
some sweet converse with the spirit of Truth. «0h ! how 
pleasant it is to feel the incomes of the Divine life in the 
soul. If we expect to grow in the Truth we must know a 



66 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

daily warfare to be kept up against the evil desires of our 
hearts. Attended Chester Monthly Meeting. In the sec- 
ond meeting, Ebenezer Roberts made valuable remarks 
concerning the Queries; that they are a living inquiry 
unto Friends and not a mere form. 

12th. Went to Haddoniield Quarterly Meeting held at 
Medford. Heard an excellent communication from William 
Evans, of Philadelphia, in which the principles of Chris- 
tianity, as believed by Friends, were held up; namely, the 
light of Christ, as it is manifested in our hearts. 

13th. While actively employed on the farm, held sweet 
communion with the Father of spirits, in which He was 
pleased to reveal Himself in my heart. 

14th. Went to the city with a load ; sold out, and in the 
afternoon accompanied mother on a visit to cousin Lewis 
Jones. 

15th. In the forenoon attended the meeting of colored 
Friends in Kensington. I felt called upon to say something 
to them, which I did, and felt peaceful afterward. We had 
a good meeting. In the afternoon went down town, accom- 
panied by Rowland Johnson and Joseph Parrish, Jr. We 
had a highly favored time, in which I was induced to ap- 
pear before the people, and to call them to Christ, the true 
Light. 

16th. 'Called at the house of , to see their son W., 

who is very ill, and not likely to recover. It is greatly to 
be feared he is not prepared for the solemn change. A few 



EARLY MANHOOD. G7 

days ago, he was in the enjoyment of health and strength. 
I sat down by his bedside, and was moved of the Lord to 
bow in supplication on his behalf. By so doing I found 
peace of mind. 

17th. Engaged in sundry pursuits on the farm, but felt 
an assurance of the Divine presence to harmonize all sur- 
rounding objects. It is this which makes all things unite. 

18th. Passed part of the evening at Dr. Stokes's, where 
I met a Southern man. We had some conversation on the 
subject of slavery. 

26th. In the evening, at home, reading and conversing 
upon religious subjects I was made willing to declare my 
opinions of the principles of Christ, as revealed unto me. 

Tenth Mo. 3rd. My friend, Joseph Saunders, came here 
on a visit. I passed the evening with him very pleasantly. 

6th. My friend, Joseph Parrish, Jr., came home with 
me from meeting. In the afternoon we went to Edward 
Taylor's for a visit. I think them a very interesting family. 
At first there was considerable lightness in our behavior, 
but it soon became subdued, and we had an instructive as 
well as agreeable time. 

7th. Passed the day at " lonesome valley" plowing. I 
was led to admire the various colors that marked the foliage 
of a neighboring wood. The Destroyer had blown upon 
their liveliness his frosty breath, and warned them of the 
approach of winter. How abundant are thy witnesses, oh, 
God! in teachins: thy creatures the certaintv of death. 



68 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

8th. Although alone as to the outward, yet had the 
sweet presence of my. Redeemer in his spiritual appearance 
to my view. What a gift to man is the ability thus to hold 
converse with the Saviour; and my opportunities for this 
communion, while engaged in daily labor, make me love 
my situation. 

10th. Went to Quakertown, Pa., on a visit,- and stopped 
at the house of my kind friend, John Foulke. 

11th. In the morning went down to Aaron Penrose's, 

where I found my dear friend, Ellen , looking very 

much at home, and assisting her sister. Spent the day and 
evening very agreeably with her. It is pleasant to have the 
company of one whom I love. Found time to read some 
from the sermons of the wise and good, and their counsel 
was very consoling to my mind. 

13th. Attended Richland Meeting, where we had a few 
words from John Foulke and from Joseph Thorne ; also a 
supplication from the latter 

14th. Went to Philadelphia, but before doing so, had a 
little time with my friend, Ellen, in which we were consid- 
ering the propriety of our attending the marriage of her 
cousin, C. G., who is about to connect herself with a slave- 
holder. Passed the evening at James Mott's and at Emmor 
Kimber's, in company with Charles C. Burleigh, Elizabeth 
Whittier and others. 

15th. In the city. At eleven o'clock went to the first 



EARLY MANHOOD. 69 

annual meeting of " The Free Produce Association.'' Had 
a very good meeting. 

16th. Attended Cherry St. Meeting, which was a favored 
one; the Divine spirit of Christ being felt and openly attest- 
ed to by William Healy and others. My friend, William 
Bassett, from Lynn, Mass., was in attendance. It was the 
first time he had ever been at a meeting of that branch of 
the Society of Friends. He was much pleased. 

17th. Called to see my aunt, Mary Dolby, whom I 
found better. We had some very serious conversation on 
religious subjects. It was satisfactory, I think, to both of 
us. I believe she has found peace for her soul, and I was 
encouraged to work out my soul's salvation with fear and 
trembling. Oh ! the importance of having the day's work 
done in the daytime. After leaving aunt, I passed an hour 
very agreeably with my much beloved friend, John Cox, of 
Burlington. Then went to my Jersey home, where I found 
all well. I was glad again to be there, after my satisfactory 
visit in the city. 

18th. Passed the evening in reading agricultural works, 
as a means of storing my mind with useful information. 

20th. In the afternoon and evening at Henry Warring- 
ton's, and had considerable conversation with him on reli- 
gious matters. It was very satisfactory to my mind. 

21st. I find it very comforting, at the end of the day, on 
reviewing my conduct, to feel a sweet assurance of the 
Lord's presence. 



70 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

22ncl. While at work had my mind turned inward for 
communion, and experienced the inshining of the Divine 
light into my heart. 

24th. At our week-day meeting. In the early part I 
suffered my mind to run toward things too outward in their 
tendency; but toward the close I was favored to feel the in- 
shinings of Divine light shed abroad in my heart. 

27th. Arose early, and went to the city before breakfast, 
which I took at father's. I went to meeting, and had a 
comfortable time as regards myself, though the meeting 
was somewhat disturbed. In the afternoon went to " Little 
Wesley," where (opportunity being given) we had a highly 
favored time, let thanks be rendered to the Lord ! This 
day died my aunt, Mary Dolby, at peace with God and 
man. She was in the forty-fourth year of her age. 

29th. Attended aunt's funeral. We left the house after 
ten o'clock, and proceeded to the Arch Street Ground. 
Here I was under much exercise, but owing to the weak- 
ness of the flesh, I did not express what was on my mind. 
Two other Friends each said a few words. I came away 
feeling the weight of my disobedience, and was much tried 
in consequence thereof. Went home in the evening. 

30th. A fine, clear morning. I am well in body, but 
heavy in spirit, feeling that I, yesterday, transgressed the 
Divine law, as revealed unto me, and thus grieved my 
Heavenly Father. During the day I attended to my duties 



EARLY MANHOOD. 71 

on the farm, and, through adorable mercy, I at length felt 
a degree of forgiveness for my disobedience. 

31st. At our week-day meeting I was favored with the 
inshining of the Divine light to illuminate my heart. In 
the afternoon, while at work, I enjoyed meditation of a 
profitable character. 

Eleventh Month 1st. In the evening wrote a long letter 
to my friend, Joseph Parrish, Jr. 

2nd. Passed the evening at home reading the Scriptures. 

10th. First-day. Attended Burlington Meeting, which 
was a satisfactory one. Dined at cousin Samuel R. Weth- 
erill's, and lodged at John Cox's. In the morning John was 
very entertaining, and narrated incidents in the lives of those 
good Friends of last century whom we have an account of, 
viz : John Wool man and others. I greatly enjoyed hearing 
such reminiscences from him. 

13th. Hauling marl. On the road my mind was drawn 
to the Great Shepherd of Israel, who daily stands read}- to 
lead his sheep that are willing to follow his leading, to the 
green pastures and beside the still waters. 

18th. While engaged in hauling I found time for reflec- 
tion, in which I could say that my spirit held sweet com- 
munion with the Father of spirits. Such seasons are times 
of great joy to my soul. 

19th. It is good to be alone, for in the silence of all flesh 
can be felt the Divine presence illuminating the soul. 

21st. At meeting this morning I had a profltable time. 



72 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

for though the will of the creature ^yould rise up, yet 
through the goodness of a merciful Creator, I was blessed 
with a portion of Heavenly food for the poor soul which 
stands in need of that nourishment to keep it alive. 

23rd. In the city. Passed part of the evening with my 
very particular friend, Thomas Brown. I regard him as 
one of the redeemed ones, from whom I have received 
much instruction in spiritual things. 

24th. First-day. Rowland and myself went on a relig- 
ious visit to Moyamensing Prison. After a time of solemn 
silence I arose and relieved my mind. Rowland followed ; 
then I felt constrained to bow before the Throne of Grrace. 
R. also supplicated. Being favored with the Divine pres- 
ence we had a comfortable time, which tended to our soul's 
peace. In the afternoon I attended Sixth Street Meeting, 
in which my mind was deeply exercised with the feeling 
that I must communicate what was given unto me. Though 
much in the cross, I did express it, and found peace in so 
doing. 

26th. Had the light of the Lord to fill my soul, and I 
w^as made glad. Oh, the joy I have in this peaceful state, 
while on the road with the team, or when working alone. 

29th. A very pleasant day ; my mind having a taste of 
the goodness of God, by the operation of his Holy Spirit 
upon my heart. 

30th. At seasons we are drawn inward, and led to see 
the beauty of holiness; but the enemy desires to draw us 



EARLY MANHOOD. 73 

off; and if we keep not on the watch, he will draw us 
aw^aj. 

Twelfth Month 1st. At our meeting this morning. It 
was a silent one, and I had a fairly comfortable time, al- 
though not sufficiently watchful. 

5th. At our week-day meeting, I was favored with an 
evidence of the Divine presence, and it was shown unto 
me that the walls between the various sects of professing 
Christians must be broken down before the kingdom of 
Christ shall come to be established on earth, as it is in 
Heaven. 

6th. Engaged in hauling. I find in this occupation 
much time for reflection ; and at seasons have the favor of 
tasting a crumb of Heavenly bread, and of sipping at the 
fountain of pure love. 

7th. In the evening listened to one who was reading 
some of the testimony given in court at the trial betw^een 
the two branches of Friends in this State. To my mind 
there was nothing savory in it; but quite otherwise. It is 
jjoor food for the soul. 

8th. Went to the city and attended Arch Street Meet- 
ing. Arrived at home after dark, and passed the evening 
in reading the Scriptural account of Jesus Christ; his deeds, 
sermons, commands, &c. It was very instructive to my 
mind. 

10th. Attended Monthly Meeting at Moorestown. It 
was to me, a season of spiritual dearth. 
5 



74 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

12th. Haddonfield Quarter, held at Moorestown. It 
was a very comfortable Meeting. Elizabeth Evans, Eliza- 
beth Pitfield, and several other public Friends were there. 

15th. First-day. In the morning attended a meeting of 
colored people at Cinnamiuson, and had a little to com- 
municate to them. It was a satisfactory time. 

18th. Went to Quakertown, Pa., where I made my 
home at John Foulke's, and visited round among my 
friends. 

19th. Met my beloved friend, Ellen Foulke, at her 
brother Benjamin's. It was pleasant to us to be together. 
We went to the week-day meeting, which was a comforta- 
ble one, and returned to Benjamin Foulke's. 

24th. Went by stage to Philadelphia. We stopped at 
a public house to change horses, and I, going in to get 
warm, found a man there fiddling. Almost immediately I 
was brought under exercise concerning this man, and found 
that I must take him aside and speak to him for the relief 
of my mind. I did so, stating the feeling that had prompted 
me thus to accost a stranger, and warning him of the 
awful situation he stood in, being the means of drawing 
many to that place ; and telling him if he would once take 
up the cross and follow the Lord, He would find a way for 
him. ■ He seemed very tender, thanked me for my advice, 
and said he would try to do better. A fellow-passenger 
was going to visit near relatives in Philadelphia, whom he 
had not seen in seventeen years. When a boy he had lived 



EARLY MANHOOD. 70 

in the city, bat having been away so long he had become a 
stranger; so I assisted him in finding his aunt and sisters. 
It was a joyful meeting; they falling on his neck and kiss- 
ing him. 

26th. Attended Arch Street Meeting where was present 
Jacob Green, a public Friend from Ireland. He was much 
favored in ministering, and seemed drawn to some of the 
young people in nn especial manner; saying that they were 
called to the work. I dined at father's, visited in the after- 
noon, and spent part of the evening with John G. Whittier. 

27th. Took tea at James Mott's in company with Charles 
C. Burleigh, with whom I went in the evening to a meeting 
of the Junior Anti-Slavery Society, at which he and H. B. 
Stanton were the speakers. 

28th. Returned to my country home, finding all well, 
and apparently glad to see me. 

29th. At meeting in the morning, where I received a 
little food for the soal. Our friend, T. Warrington, spoke. 
In the evening wrote some, and then read in the l^ew Tes- 
tament. 

31st. The last day of the year 1839. In my diary are 
recorded some of the events that have occurred. It has 
been kept principally to give an account of the weather, 
and of the manner in which I have employed the time. For 
want of room [space for each day was limited] I have not de- 
tailed my feelings, nor the exercises of my mind ; but through 
the mercies and bounteous care of an all-wise Providence I 



76 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

have been favored with a good degree of health, and inward 
as well as outward preservation. On taking a retrospect of 
my actions I can see that there have been times when, for 
want of watchfulness unto prayer, the enemy has drawn me 
aside from the path of duty, still I have been kept from many 
of the snares which he has set for the young and inexperienced 
mind; and for this preservation may praises, thanksgivings 
and renown be ascribed unto the Lord. Although sensible 
of my infirmities and manifold weaknesses, I feel that my 
time has not all been spent in vain; but it has been my 
desire, in an humble manner, to advance the cause of Truth 
and righteousness in the earth. Truly it is the desire of my 
heart that my day's work may keep pace with the day, and 
that by humility and faithfulness I may endeavor to know 
the Lord's will concerning me; and when known, that I 
may faithfully perform the work He has assigned me. Oh, 
that there may be a progression from one degree of grace 
unto another; from a babe — as I now feel myself^ — to a 
young man, and a strong man in Christ Jesus ! 

1840. First Month 1st. I commence the new year 
with a desire that I may not have cause to look back to this 
date with sorrow. I feel that I have not been sufficiently 
devoted to the cause of Truth, and I now desire that I may 
press forward, " toward the mark for the prize of the high 
calling of God in Christ Jesus." 

2nd. At our week-day meeting, felt a considerable dearth 
in spiritual things, but had some comfort. 



EARLY MANHOOD. / / 

3rd. Went to the city with marketing. Took supper at 
father's, and then accompanied mother to a meeting of the 
Junior Anti-Slavery Society. It was addressed by Gerrit 
Smith and James G-. Birney. Met with many of my friends, 
who seemed glad to see me. R. Johnson and myself had 
some pleasant conversation. 

4th. Came home in the afternoon. Had a season of 
heavenly quiet, wherein I felt greatly comforted. 

5th. Attended Burlington Meeting, where I had a satis- 
factory time. Then visited at cousin Samuel R. Wetherill's, 
C. GaskilFs and John Cox's. At the last named place, I 
met with some Friends from Massachusetts, with whom I 
had considerable conversation on religious subjects. 

6th. Attended Monthly Meeting at Burlington, in which 
Joseph Parrish, Jr., and Lydia Gaskill declared their inten- 
tions of marriage. In the afternoon went home, and my 
ride was a pleasant one, having my heart filled with Divine 
love. 

8th. Was favored with a portion of that Bread which 
comes down from Heaven, and which is food for the soul. 
Oh, how sweet and refreshing are such seasons ! May I 
seek for them through watchfulness unto prayer. 

9th. At meeting did not feel much strength. How 
subtle is the enemy of our souls — our unsubdued will — and 
when it rises up in opposition to the Divine Light in us, 
and we, through want of faith, give way to its callings, we 
experience a dearth in spiritual things. 



78 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

10th. Passed the evening at Dr. Stokes's, near Moores- 
town. It is pleasant to me when I cast the eye of the mind 
around, to find none unto whom I could not stretch the 
welcome hand of love. This is a sweet feeling, and I desire 
that I may cultivate it, and be more and more possessed 
of it. 

14th. Attended Chester Monthly Meeting. It was a 
strengthening time in the first meeting ; but in the second, 
when they began to read over the cases under dealing, my 
heart was pained at the seeming indifierence w^ith which 
they would disown a member, after paying him one visit. 
I cannot here express my feelings on this subject. 

16th. Hauling marl, and while thus employed was 
blessed with a portion of heavenly food. I know that I 
am not sufficiently watchful, yet have I been thus favored. 
Such is the boundless goodness of God to poor, sinful man. 
Passed the evening with Chalkley Gilliugham and wife. 
They are excellent Friends, and their minds seem to have 
been illuminated with Divine Truth. 

17th. I find I am not sufficiently careful with my tongue. 
Had company here in the evening, and the conversation ran 
principally on secular subjects. 

18th. While on the road, a good opportunity was given 
for silent waiting on the Lord. He is pleased to open 
rivers of waters to his thirsty children, who seek Him in 
humility of soul. That I may be more humble is the desire 
of my heart. Passed the evening with our reading class at 



EARLY MANHOOD. 79 

Henry Warrington's. Some of Samuel Fothergill's sermons 
were read to edification. 

20th. Passed the evening reading in SewelPs History. 

21st. I can say that this day has not been spent in vain. 
Although I feel my littleness and unworthiness, yet I am 
much favored. Oh, may the Lord have the praise! In the 
evening read in Sewell's History, v^hich is both interesting 
and edifying. 

23rd. This evening had the company of Chalkley G-il- 
lingham and Joseph Saunders. Oh, how pleasant it is to 
mingle with our friends ! 

25th. Went to the city. In the evening I heard of a 
family in a distressing state of poverty, and Eowland and I 
went to see them. 

26th. In the morning took some things to the poor fam- 
ily, and then went to Sixth Street Meeting, where my 
Heavenly Father called on me to open my mouth and cry 
aloud to urge my brethren to the cause of Christ. In the 
afternoon visited some of the poor in their homes, and then 
went TO the meeting on Little Pine Street. After the min- 
ister had finished his discourse, I was moved to call the 
company to the Lord Jesus, and to that inward law, which, 
as dw^elt under, would lead out of all unrighteousness. 

27th. Called to see relatives and friends at several difter- 
ent places. I can say that I have been this day blessed with 
a portion of spiritual food. 

29th. Attended Orange Street week-day meeting, where 



80 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

I had a comfortable time, and felt called to speak a word 
publicly. Oh, the responsibility which is thus incurred ! I 
feel that without a Saviour I should die, and without a Re- 
deemer I should perish. May I be watchful unto prayer. 

30th. At our home (Westfield) Meeting, I was much 
comforted. In the evening read in Sewell's History, and 
was humbled by the account of the suiFerings of the Lord's 
people in those early days of our Society. I have felt that 
if we now, with all our blessings, are not found faithful, it 
will not be well with us. 

31st. Thus I find myself, at the close of another day, 
desiring that I may walk in the fear of the Lord, being 
careful not to transgress his holy law, as it is made manifest 
to me. I feel my weakness, my unworthiness, my short- 
comings, but that I may be faithful, is the desire of my 
heart. 

Second Month 1st. It is my desire to live daily in the 
love of God; and to do this, w^atchfulness and prayer are 
necessary. 

2nd. Had a comfortable meeting at Westfield in the 
morning, and in the evening went with Chalkley Gilling- 
ham to a meeting of colored people, held in one of their 
dwelling-houses. After they had concluded their services, 
I felt moved to get up and call them to Christ within. Also 
had to kneel in supplication in their behalf. 

5th. Attended Cherry Street Meeting this morning, and 
was much exercised in mind; so much so that I had to 



EARLY MANHOOD. 81 

stand up and deliver my message. Much inward peace fol- 
lowed this act of obedience. 

6th. Went to Burlington and attended the marriage of 
Joseph Parrish, Jr., and Lydia Gaskill. It was a quiet, 
comfortable meeting, and I was pleased to see a number of 
our colored friends there. 

8th. In the city. My mind much exercised, and a heavy 
weight rested upon it. 

9th. Still under a heavy burden of spirit this morning. 
Went up to see a family of poor people, whom the hardness 
of the heart of man had deprived of their just earnings. I 
then went to father's and took a little sleep, but awoke 
without any relief of mind. In the afternoon went to Green 
Street Meeting, and was much comforted by a communica- 
tion from a Friend. I passed the evening at father's very 
satisfactorily, having some openings in spiritual matters. 

10th. Went home. Felt the necessity for continued 
faithfulness in all the vicissitudes of life. 

11th. Attended Chester Monthly Meeting, at which Ja- 
cob Green, a Friend from Ireland, was present. I was 
much comforted in the meeting, although deeply baptized 
into feeling, on account of the process of disowning. 

12th. Oh, what sweet seasons I have in solitude ! I 
have this day been favored with heavenly food. 

13th. Joseph Saunders and myself went to the house of 
Anthony^ Harris, to read to our colored friends. We felt 
well satisfied with the evening's employment. 



82 ' LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

14th. In the city, among some friends. The company 
was pleasant, though too much lightness was apparent. 

16th. At Westfield Meeting. It was not, to me, a com- 
fortable opportunity. But the fault was my own. I had 
been unwatchful. Oh, the weakness of human nature! 

17th. The evening was passed in reading Se well's His- 
tory; and being impressed with a sense of the sufferings 
that Friends had to endure, my mind was clothed with hu- 
mility. 

18th. While at work, found time for reflection and 
sweet communion with my Creator. I do not feel that I am 
making much advancement, but I endeavor to keep near 
the Lord, who, at seasons, makes himself manifest. 

19th. In the evening went to Anthony Harris's, and 
found only one person besides their own family. I read to 
them awhile, and then opened my mind to them on some 
Important subjects; as original sin, and other weighty mat- 
ters. I felt satisfied that I had gone. 

20th. I have been favored at seasons with great open- 
ings, and been blessed with much of that inward peace 
which none know save those who have experienced it. 

21st. Felt the Divine life to arise in me this afternoon 
and evening. Took supper at father's, and then went to a 
meeting of our colored friends at Zore Meeting House. I 
was desirous of coming away, but I had to stay, and the 
Lord opened my mouth for the encouragement of these 
dear souls. How can I thank Him for his goodness. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 83 

22ncl. In the evening called to see my dear old friend, 
Thomas Brown. He is a great man, for he has the key 
that will open the way to life everlasting. 

23rd. In the morning attended North Meeting, and was 
favored with Divine help. The language that saluted my 
spiritual ear w^as " Be still, and know that I am God." It 
was refreshing to be still, and to wait upon the Lord. In 
the afternoon I went down town, feeling drawn to a little 
meeting-house that I had observed some years ago, but 
knew not that there was any meeting held in it, as I had 
learned formerly that there was not; but on going in I 
found a little company gathered, and, when their services 
were over, I felt moved of the Lord to arise and speak, and 
the Lord helped me. I knew not of what name they were, 
but I felt the drawing cords of brotherly love to unite me 
to them, and I verily believe that some souls present were 
humbled. I called them to Christ within, and told them 
that to know Him they must be bereft of pride. 

24th. Having felt a drawing to attend the Quarterly 
Meeting of the other branch of Friends (to be held at Mt. 
Holly) I was much exercised, and very desirous to know 
and to do my duty in this weighty matter. After carefully 
weighing the concern, I concluded to start So Rowland 
Johnson and myself went on foot to the house of J. Lundy, 
about five miles beyond Moorestown, where we passed the 
night. The language of the Apostle came before me, and 
" I w^as not disobedient to the heavenly vision." 



84 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

25th. Went to the meeting, which was large, and there 
was considerable speaking. At length I was moved to say 
a few words, beginning with the Scriptural quotation, "For 
the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." I also 
had some exercise in the Meeting for Discipline, and came 
away with the reward of peace. Dined at William Cloth- 
ier's, where I met sundry Friends, and then came home. 

26th, 27th, 28th and 29th. These four days were passed 
in a journey to Egg Harbor, and the return. In company 
with some neighbors, I brought a load of goods for a family 
that are moving into this neighborhood. While on the 
road with my team, I found opportunity for quiet contem- 
plation, which was profitable. During the afternoon of the 
27th we took a sail on the bay, and had rather an amusing 
time, but on retiring at night, I felt that I had not experi- 
enced much growth in the Truth that day. We must daily 
know our work to go on, and to keep pace with the day. 
On the homeward journey the traveling was tedious, but I 
was again favored by being enabled to look unto the Lord. 
On my return home I was gladdened by acceptable letters, 
one from Joseph Parrish, Jr., and one from Kezia Foulke. 

Third Month, 1st. Attended our meeting at Westfield, 
and though somewhat inconvenienced from previous fatigue, 
I had a comfortable meeting, and my mind was dipped into 
feeling for this company, who, it was manifest to me, were 
living too much on the surface, without getting inward to 
the life. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 85 

3rd. Employed all day in plowing. How pleasant it is 
to have the mind freed from the love of the world, "looking 
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith." 

5th. Attended our week-day meeting — a comfortable one 
to me. Seth Warrington acceptably with us this evening. 

7th. Went to the city. Passed part of the evening at 
the house of Dr. Joseph Parrish, whom I found very ill. 

8th. Felt drawn to attend the little meeting of colored 
Friends in Kensington. Soon after taking my seat among 
them, my mind was brought under exercise, but while I 
was dwelling under it in silence, a man arose, and, in the 
course of his preaching, he told them of the necessity of 
outward baptism. Soon after he had concluded his remarks 
I arose and began with the words, " Without faith it is im- 
possible to please God." I told them that outward baptism 
would not, nay, could not, cleanse the soul from sin, but that 
they must know the inward baptism — that of the Holy 
Spirit. In the afternoon went to Sixth Street, and in the 
evening to Cherry Street. Both were comfortable meetings 
to me. 

9th. In the afternoon walked home from the city, and 
was favored with a flow of love Divine in my heart. 

10th. Attended Chester Monthly Meeting, and I can say 
it was a time of inward trial. I cannot express my feelings, 
but I desire to adhere to the Divine principle within me. 
If it were not for that, how would the poor soul be tossed 
about ! 



86 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

12th. Attended Haddoniield Quarter, held at Haddon- 
field, but, from some cause, was not baptized into feeling as 
on some other occasions. Dined at Sarah Collins's, where 
we met with sundry Friends. The social mingling was 
very agreeable, and I was much pleased with the village of 
Haddoniield. 

13th. Father and mother came up to visit us. It is the 
first time that I have had the pleasure of mingling with 
them at this place. I greatly enjoyed the evening. 

14th. In the evening attended a meeting in a school- 
house, about five miles distant, to consider whether or not 
the immediate abolition of slavery would be advantageous; 
and afterwards felt satisfied with what I had said. 

15th. Attended our meeting this morning, and had a 
comfortable time, though somewhat tried as to the outward. 

16th. A busy day, but I was favored with a crumb of 
spiritual bread for the nourishment of the soul. Spent the 
evening at Gillingham's, and had cause to rejoice that there 
are those whose hearts are filled with the love of God. 

18th. In company with I^athaniel Stokes, started for 
Monroe Tannerj^ On our arrival in Philadelphia we were 
informed of the death of Dr. Joseph Parrish, who passed 
away this morning, about three o'clock. He was aged sixty- 
one years. Thus has the city been deprived of one who, 
for goodness and high moral excellence, had few superiors. 
And he has been gathered as a shock of corn fully ripe. 
So we should not mourn, but look upon the dispensation as 



EARLY MANHOOD. 87 

sent by our Heavenly Father, and be ready to adopt the 
language, " IS'ot our will, but thine, oh, Lord, be done." 
We left the city in the forenoon, and proceeded as far as 
Harts ville, where we dined, and then went on to Bucks ville, 
where we passed the night. 

19th. Rode fifteen miles, to Easton, before breakfast. 
Then proceeded on our journey, and arrived at the Tan- 
nery, in the valley of the Pocono, before night. We found 
all well, and looking for us, at Mountain Cottage, where we 
stopped and were well accommodated. 

21st. Went in search of trees. We did not succeed in 
finding any Balm-of-Gileads, but beautiful double spruce 
were abundant. So we filled the was^on with these. We 
traveled over about three miles of very rough road. 

22nd. First-day. Left the cottage in the morning, and 
drove to Stroudsburg before meeting-time. After attending 
the meeting, we dined at Daniel Stroud's, and then pro- 
ceeded to Nazareth, via Water Gap. jSTathaniel had never 
before seen this stupendous work of nature. 

23rd. Having passed a comfortable night at Nazareth, 
we rode ta Bethlehem to breakfast, and thence on to Qua- 
kertown in time for dinner. In the afternoon N^athaniel 
and myself walked over to Joseph Slifer's, to look at his 
farm. We took tea at Caleb Foulke's, but found my dear 
E. quite poorly with a cold. Went to John Foulke's to 
lodge. 

24th. Drove to Philadelphia, and had rather an uncom- 



88 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

fortable ride, the weather being wet, and our wagon requir- 
ing some repairs by the way. 

25th. Left the city about twelve o'clock, and got home 
in time to plant our trees before night. I felt as if I could 
renewedly thank the Great Protector, who had cared for us 
on this journey, and now had safely landed us among our 
friends. ' Oh, He will take care of us, if we are but faithful, 
for He lets not a sparrow fall to the ground unnoticed. 

26th. Seasons of refreshment were afforded me while at 
my daily work. 

27th. Engaged in plowing. Oh, how sweet it is to pass 
our time in silent communion with the Giver of our exist- 
ence. It is the height of riches. There is nothing in this 
world worthy to be compared with it. 

28th. Visited my much beloved brother, Joseph Parrish, 
who was recently bereft of his father. Had a satisfactory 
evening with him and his wife at their home. 

29th. Attended Burlington Meeting, which was silent, 
and returned with my friends to dine. We passed the af- 
ternoon together very comfortably, and I went home early. 

31st. Much refreshed with the inflowing of Divine love 
to my soul. 

Fourth Month, 1st. While on the road was favored with 
sweet communion with my Maker. 

2nd. At meeting. A comfortable opportunity. In the 
evening I wrote to Rowland Johnson. It is very pleasant 
to me to sit down and communicate with those to whom I 



EARLY MANHOOD. »y 

am joined in a unity of feeling which draws into the bond 
of brotherhood that only death can sever. 

3rd. Harrowing all day, and found time for seasons of 
inward retirement. When I can " look through Nature up 
to Nature's Grod," can hear the music of birds, that seem 
delighted with the return of spring, I feel as if I can par- 
take of their joy, and unite with them in praise. 

4th. I find the necessity of daily watchfulness unto 
prayer, that the mind may be kept in a proper state. To- 
day I have been too much inclined to dwell upon things, 
not of themselves unlawful, but having a tendency to draw 
the mind away from its true center. 

5th. First-day. Attended meeting this morning. The 
forepart was unprofitable, owing to a feeling of drowsiness, 
but the latter part was very comfortable. I find that if 
strictly faithful, I shall be cared for by the great " I Am." 

6th. I desire daily that, while attending to my outward 
duties, I may know a gathering unto the Lord, that the 
spiritual day's work may be going on, for I feel that I must 
work out my " own salvation, with fear and trembling," be- 
fore Him. 

7th. Went out to plow this morning, but felt a great 
drawing toward my city home. After I had been at work 
about two hours, I was called by a voice, which proved to 
be that of my brother William. I went to him, and found 
that he had come to inform me of the decease of my much 
beloved friend — may I not call him grandfather — John 



90 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Foulke, who departed this life day before yesterday, in the 
seventy-third year of his age. I accompanied my brother 
to the city, arriving at father's in time for dinner. In the 
afternoon mother and myself started for Richland, to attend 
the funeral. We stopped over night at William Foulke's, 
at Gwynedd, and in the evening William and I had some 
satisfactory conversation on religious subjects, 

8th. Our kind friends gave us an early start, and we 
arrived at the funeral house before ten o'clock. The gath- 
ering was large, and we went in to take a look at the face 
of him whom I had loved. It was now cold and motionless 
in death. After a time of silence, Joseph Foulke appeared 
in testimony, soon after which the large company moved to 
the grave-yard, where we saw deposited the remains of our 
aged friend, and the cold earth covered over him. We then 
went into the meeting-house, and gathered into solemn 
silence. Soon Joseph Thorne spoke, and after him Joseph 
Foulke. I was much exercised through the meeting, and, 
when opportunity offered, I arose and called the people to 
" mind the light," &c. This afforded relief to my mind. 

10th. Took leave of our friends at Richland, and came 
to the city, stopping a few hours at Edward Foulke's, at 
Gwynedd, where we were kindly entertained. 

11th. In the city, occupied with business matters and 
calling on friends. I may here remark that the Lord has 
been with me through this journey, and I have daily felt 
the guidance of his Spirit. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 91 

12th. Rowland Johnson and myself went down town, 
and, after taking some bread to a poor woman who was 
sick, and whose little boy had met us on the street to tell of 
their destitution, we went to Moyamensing Prison. We 
first visited the cell of a sick man, confined to his bed, who 
was serving a twenty-six years' sentence, and had eleven 
years yet to serve. I felt much pity for him. On leaving 
this cell, we were asked if we would like to have an oppor- 
tunity in a religious meeting with the prisoners, and we 
answered that we would. So the cell-doors were thrown 
open, and we took our seats in the corridor. We passed 
some time in silence, and then Rowland addressed the un- 
seen compau}', having considerable to say, and I thought he 
was much favored. I felt great barrenness, but as the call 
seemed to be extended, I arose and had a highly favored 
time — so much so that I was bound to return vocal thanks- 
giving and praise to our dear Lord for his great goodness 
unto us. In the afternoon father took me part way to my 
country home, and I walked the last two miles. 

13th. A very comfortable day. 

14th, Attended Monthly Meeting at Moorestown, and 
felt much burdened with the spirit of disowning^ believing it 
to be contrary to the true life of Christ. 

15th. Somewhat ailing in body, but felt the assurance of 
peace of mind — a satisfaction which can onl}^ be found by 
faithfulness to the light of Christ. 

16th. I have desired that my mind might be centered on 



92 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Christ and my soul receive food convenient for it. Spent 
part of the evening in waiting upon the Lord, and the 
remainder in writing to some of my friends. 

17th. While on the road had a comfortable time, desiring 
that my mind might be clothed with the love of Grod and 
with thanksgiving for his many mercies heaped upon me. 

18th. In my evening retrospection I thought that I had, 
during the day, said too much to my horses. I want to be 
careful that all my actions may be in unison with the alle- 
giance that I owe to the King Immortal. 

19th. Attended our home meeting in the morning, and, 
after dinner, Nathaniel Stokes and self drove to the city 
in time for the afternoon meeting at Sixth Street. 

20th. Attended the first sitting of the Yearly Meeting. 
It was occupied in sundry ways. In the afternoon the min- 
utes of the Meeting for Sufferings were read, from which I 
found that a committee of that body had been making some 
efforts to ascertain the extent of the African slave trade. 
They reported that about half a million human beings are 
annually taken from the coast of Africa. 

21st. In both sittings of the meeting very instructive 
matter was communicated, tending to our edification. 
Passed the evening at father's with several Friends. 

22nd. Throughout the sessions this day I felt a desire to 
have my mind turned inward, and I have experienced a 
renewal of strength. 

23rd. Went to the public meeting at Orange Street, and 



EARLY MANHOOD. 93 

a comfortable, refreshing season it was. Also attended the 
business meeting in the afternoon. My mind has been 
much exercised in relation to '' Free Produce," and the 
necessity of Friends being more alive to the subject. 

24th. Attended both sessions, the afternoon one being 
the last of this Yearly Meeting. In the forenoon my mind 
was again brought under concern in regard to the use of 
articles obtained by slave labor. I was thinking I should 
have to give expression to my views, when Enoch Lewis 
arose and opened the subject clearly, and treated it satisfac- 
torily. Several Friends spoke approvingly of his remarks. 
I did not feel easy to leave without bearing my testimony 
to the truth of what had been said, and expressing my satis- 
faction that the subject had claimed the attention of the 
meeting. 

2oth. Went home in the afternoon. As the w^eek is 
about closing, I may say that I feel glad I attended the 
meeting, as I was strengthened thereby. 

26th. We had a very comfortable meeting; Benjamin 
Hall, from Ohio, being in attendance. In the afternoon, 
attended the funeral of Edward Lippincott, son of the late 
Caleb Lippincott. He has had a suffering time, and for a 
number of years has been a mute. It was a large gather- 
ing, and in great weakness I felt that I had to open my 
mouth, not on account of the dead, but of the living — that 
there might be among us more watchfulness and faithful- 
ness to do the Lord's will. 



94 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

27th. I feel refreshed, both within and without. The 
face of l^ature is so bright, the trees are in bloom, and the 
birds, with their merry notes, seem to gladden the heart of 
man, while my dear Lord has been with me, and I have 
had to praise his name. 

29th. Not sufficiently watchful. 

30th. A fairly comfortable meeting. Yet I could not 
feel that arising of life, that unity of spirit that I so much 
love to feel. 

Fifth Month 1st. Went to see Dr. , in relation to a 

poor, hunted colored man whom he had attended when ill. 
But now he wants his pay. 

3rd. A tolerably comfortable meeting. Had the com- 
pany of Ezra Leeds in the afternoon. 

5th. Greatly favored with the precious visitations of 
Divine love, and strengthened to walk in the way of Truth. 

7th. At our week-day meeting I felt that there was a 
want of that unity of feeling which is required to make us 
acceptable worshippers of our Heavenly Father. 

10th. First-day. Walked to the city and attended Cherry 
Street Meeting, which was a comfortable one, and went to 
father's to dine. On sitting down at the table, my mind 
was much tendered, under a sense of the goodness of our 
Heavenly Father in permitting us all to be together, and to 
be partakers of so many good things at our father's table. 
On behalf of my dear brother William, I felt an especial 
concern for his temporal and spiritual welfare. In the af- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 95 

tern con attended Green Street Meeting, and had to open 
my mouth and give utterance to these words, " Fear God, 
and give glory to Him, for the hour of his judgment is 
come; and worship Him that made heaven and earth, and 
the sea, and the fountains of waters." After meeting went 
to see a woman who had escaped from slavery, and in the 
evening attended a meeting of the Committee on Slavery, 
held in Cherry Street Meeting-house. 

11th. Went to Fourth and Green Streets, and attended 
the opening session of the Yearly Meeting, which is held 
at that place. 

12th. This day attended both sessions of the Yearly 
Meeting (Fourth and Green Streets), and a favored time it 
was, many hearts being tendered with a sense of the love of 
God. In the evening went to my country home, feeling 
thankful to my Heavenly Father for his continued care 
over me. 

13th. Engaged in planting potatoes. In the evening 
took a walk, and was blessed with the inshinings of Divine 
light, and a flow of Divine love, which tendered my heart, 
and caused tears of gratitude to flow from my eyes. 

14th. Had a discussion with on the subject 

of religion. It was controversial, and not fraught with 
advantage. 

16th. Yesterday and to-day in the city. Came home 
this evening, feeling glad to get into the quiet. 

17th. ' Attended Westfield Meeting, as usual, but there 



1)6 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

seemed to be a lack of life, either in me or in the meet- 
ing. 

18th. After a busy day, a peaceful evening at home, 
feeling renewed cause for thankfulness to my Heavenly 
Father. 

21st. Attended our week-day meeting in the morning, 
and in the afternoon went to the city, and was at the fune- 
ral of Ann E., wife of Henry T. Child. The interment 
was at Frankford, and when the company went into the 
meeting-house, I had an opportunity to relieve my mind of 
an exercise. 

22nd. Hauling during the day, and in the evening con- 
versed with the carpenters (at work here) on the subject of 
slavery. 

23rd. Seventh-day evening. Have received much re- 
freshment this week at my dear Master's table, for which I 
have cause to be thankful. 

25th. Assisted at the raising of the barn, and in provid- 
ing^ the entertainment for the neighbors who came. It was 
my desire that I might be kept in a state of inward watch- 
fulness throughout the day, and I can say that I have been 
cared for. The evening was passed with C. Gillingham 
and family, to whom I feel much attached. 

26th. While on the road with my team, my heart was 
expanded with the love of the Father, and, with tears, I 
put up the petition to Him that He would be with me and 
my dear brother William, and with all of our family — yea, 
with all the human family. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 97 

29th. Had a little life given to my poor soul. 

30th. Went to the city, and returned in the. evening. 
On looking over the day, I find not much to regret. 

31st. At meeting was somewhat troubled with wander- 
ing thoughts. Had a communication from T. Warrington, 
in which he referred to the danger of -getting into a luke- 
warm state, and going to meeting in a formal way. I felt 
much unity with his exercise. 

Sixth Month 1st. Was dressing the corn with a horse 
that iDould go too fast. I endeavored to be patient, but 
found that I was in a poor state as regarded spiritual life. 
In the evening at the house of a Friend, where there was 
young company. While they w^ere enjoying themselves I 
felt quiet and retired. 

2nd. Rather too much given to hasty speaking while at 
my work. 

3rd. Had a comfortable season this afternoon, the Lord 
being near unto me. I feel that I am in the line of my 
duty in laboring as a farmer. My mind has been much ex- 
ercised of late, on account of a concern that rests upon it, 
but I wish to bear it in patience. 

4th. Our week-day meeting rather a dull one to me; 
I had used considerable exercise before I went, and was 
somewhat affected with drowsiness, although I desired to 
be on the watch. 

Last month will be remembered as one in which much 
destruction was permitted. The valley of the Mississippi 



98 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

was inundated, its cities much damaged, and at I^atchez an 
awful tornado destroyed many lives and much propejly. 

5th. Time passes away, one day after another, and we 
are drawing nearer and nearer to our final destination. 
My desire is that I may be prepared to inhabit a mansion 
of eternal peace. * , 

6th. I have cause to regret that so much of my time has 
been spent in thinking on subjects that do not tend to my 
spiritual advancement nor promote the growth of the good 
seed in me. 

7th. First-day. I have felt very barren, though a part of 
the meeting was comfortable. 

8th. The passing of day after day reminds me that we 
are all hastening toward '' that bourne from whence no 
traveler returns." This day I have felt inwardly comfort- 
able. 

9th. Attended Chester Monthly Meeting. I had re- 
newed cause to mourn over the spirit that pervades the 
hearts of some at this meeting. In the evening was favored 
with the blessed rays of Divine light shining in my heart. 

10th. While at work had a favored season, and was 
refreshed with Divine love. 

12th. During the day I felt the effects of yesterday's 
disobedience, but this evening have found some comfort. 
We must be faithful, if we expect to have the language of 
" Well done" applied to us by our Heavenly Father. 

13th. Worked till noon, and in the afternoon went to 



EARLY MANHOOD. 99 

the city. I had a pleasant ride, being favored with a sense 
of Divine love. I feel the necessity of daily walking in the 
fear of the Lord. Passed most of the evening at father's 
very agreeably. 

14th. First-day. My mind being drawn to Cherry Street 
Meeting, I went there, and was favored with Divine light 
and strength. After a communication from Geo. Truman, 
I felt in duty bound to stand up, and hand forth to the 
people what was given me. I did so, to the comfort and 
peace of my own mind. 

15th. Passed the afternoon and evening at Moorestown, 
in company with L. B. We conversed on the subject of 
non-resistance, and I think our interview was a profitable 
one. If we are faithful, we shall find much to do. 

16th. The day was passed at my plow. In this occupa- 
tion I find much time for solemn waiting on the Lord. I 
desire that I may continue to grow in grace, and in the love 
of our Heavenly Father, even from the babe to the young 
man, yea, to the strong man in Christ Jesus. But it is only 
through faithfulness that these states can be attained. 

17th. Went to the city, on m}^ way to Quakertown. 

18th. Took the stage at four o'clock, and arrived at 
Caleb Foulkes's about noon. Found my dear Ellen very 
well. 

21st. First-day. At Eichland Meeting, Joseph Thorne 
was led to speak to the people in an impressive manner, 
and, after he had taken his seat, my mind being much 

LOfC 



100 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEYICK. 

exercised, I arose with these words, " If any man will come 
after me," said the blessed Jesus, '' let him deny himself, 
and take up his cross and follow me." I was constrained 
to speak to them on the subject of attending mid-week 
meetings. I felt much peace, and was led to kneel before 
the Throne of Grace on our behalf. Our dear friend, Kezia 
Foulke, then bore her testimony to the truth of what had 
been said. 

22nd. Returned to Philadelphia, and in the evening 
called on Susan Parrish, widow of Dr. Jos. Parrish, whom 
I found well. 

23rd. Kept office for father while he went to meeting, 
and a solemn meeting it proved to be. John I^orth, hav- 
ing something to communicate, had spoken some time, and 
soon after resuming his seat ha fell over. He was promptly 
assisted and medical aid was at hand, but in less than half 
an hour he expired. 

24th. At home, and busily occupied with hay-making. 
We find that each day brings with it its labor, and may w^e 
be instructed to continue a daily labor for the salvation of 
our never-dying souls. 

25th. Passed the evening in reading the Scriptures of 
Truth. 

27th. May we be careful to walk worthy of the vocation 
wherewith we are called, " looking unto Jesus, the Author 
and Finisher of our faith." 

28th. Wrote to E. F., also to John C. Lester, and was 



EARLY MANHOOD. 101 

much favored with Divine strength. May glory and honor 
be ascribed unto our Father who is in heaven. 

29th. The time of gathering in the crops is a season of 
much interest to us farmers. Our Heavenly Father has 
provided bountifully for us, and our hearts should be filled 
with gratitude for these great blessings, and surrendered 
unto Him, that He may preserve us from all iniquity. 

30th. I desire, daily, to be led and guided by the Spirit 
of Truth. My infirmities are manj-, yet my dear Heavenly 
Father, at seasons, refreshes my soul with spiritual food. 
May glory be ascribed unto Him forever. 

Seventh Month 1st. In silence have I poured forth my 
soul before the Lord, and He has been pleased to be near 
me, giving me to partake of the bread of life, which 
strengthens the soul. 

3rd. I sometimes have seasons of barrenness, owing, I 
believe, to a want of more watchfulness over my thoughts. 

4th. This evening has been to me one of sweet commu- 
nion with my Creator, in which He was pleased to be near 
me, and to speak with me, and I with Him. Such blessed 
enjoyment is preferable to any that earth can aftbrd. 

5th. I have, for some time past, felt a desire to attend 
Westfield Friends' Meeting (other branch), and feeling this 
desire increasing, I went there to-da}^ and had a good 
meeting. After Chalkley Gillingham had spoken, I felt 
that I must arise, although it was a trial to the natural man 



102 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

SO to do, but I was obedient, and was strengthened, to my 
joy and peace. 

7th. Advancing time brings us nearer to the end of our 
earthly journey. That we may be jprepared to go is my 
desire. 

8th. Throughout the day found seasons for contempla- 
tion and meditation, in which my heart could give praise 
unto the Lord. 

12th. Went with Chalkley Gillingham to Frankford, 
Pa. He attended a meeting of our colored friends, and I 
went to the Friends' meeting on Unity Street. Thus each 
of us performed his individual duty and had his reward. 
Came home in the evening. 

15th. Brought my sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, from the 
city to make a visit here. 

16th. Gathering in an abundant harvest, which a kind 
Father has given : should not our hearts return thanks for 
his love and goodness unto us. 

17th. One year ago to-day, I placed my foot on this soil 
as a resident. I can say that I have derived considerable 
knowledge in regard to the cultivation of the soil, and that 
it continues to increase, the longer I am engaged in these 
pursuits. I hope that there has also been a grow^th in the 
knowledge of heavenly things, 

19th. Took my sisters with me to Burlington, where 
we arrived in time for meeting. An excellent meeting it 
proved to be. A friend from Long Island and our dear 



EARLY MANHOOD. 103 

father, John Cox, appeared in testimony. The latter was 
remarkably favored, and my soul did feast on his ministry. 
I was brought to appear before the Throne of Grace and 
thank the Lord that, by his power, the debility of age was 
led to speak forth with the vigor of youth. 

20th. What a comfort it is that, while our hands are 
employed in our daily occupation, the spirit may be in uni- 
son with our Creator. 

22nd. Went to the city, and prepared for a visit to 
Chester County. 

23rd. Taking mother and Anna with me, I started for a 
visit to our Chester County relatives and friends. We 
dined at Paoli, and then proceeded to the house of cousin 
Jabez Jenkins in West Chester. 

24th. Cousin Mary Jenkins took a ride on our horse, 
and, after her return, Elizabeth Coates attempted it, but 
she not being accustomed to horseback riding, nor much 
acquainted with the management of a horse, he became 
frightened, and came very near running away with her. 
I caught him in time to prevent what might have been a 
serious accident. This experience should be a caution to 
me and to others, not to let any one unacquainted with the 
management of horses start off alone. In the evening we 
went to cousin Abner Coates's. 

25th. Spent a considerable portion of the forenoon in 
reading the remarks of Joseph John Gurney on the " Sab- 
bath Day," as he here terms it. After an attentive perusal, 



104 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

by which I gained considerable information, I must say 
that I cannot unite with him in his conclusions with res-ard 
to this matter. 

26th. Attended Downingtown Meeting, and was led into 
much exercise of spirit from a fear that impressed me con- 
cerning these people. In much humility, I stood forth, and 
said what seemed to be required of me. In the evening I 
felt the assurance of having performed my day's w^ork to 
the honor of his blessed I^ame. 

27th. Reading in Daniel Wheeler's Journal, and visiting 
several friends in Dow^ningtown. That we may make our 
" calling and election sure," is the desire of my heart. 

28th. In the morning left Ann Coates's, and proceeded 
to Westtown School. I spent an hour or more with David 
Reese, and then had Joseph Stokes called out. He and I 
went down to the farm-house, and then took a walk to- 
gether. Toward evening we went over to Israel Howell's. 
We found his daughter very ill indeed, but she is ready to 
leave this world for a '' more exceeding weight of glory."* 

29th. Went to Concord, and I attended the mid-week 
meeting of the other branch of Friends. Though few in 
number, we had a comfortable meeting. Philena Marshall 
spoke at some length, after which I, feeling a word to 
arise in the life, gave it forth. It was by way of encour- 
agement, not to grow weary in well-doing, but to " press 



* She died on the fifteenth of the following month, making a peaceful close. 
(See account of Mary Mott Howell in " Piety Promoted," Vol. V.) 



EARLY MANHOOD. 105 

toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in 
Christ Jesus our Lord." The afternoon was passed pleas- 
antly at Ellis Marshall's. 

30th. Went to Wilmington, Delaware, to visit at S. 
Woolston's. Also called on some other friends. Had con- 
versation with Philena Woolston on spiritual things. 

31st. ^ Drove to Philadelphia, stopping at Chester to dine 
and visit. It was about sunset when we reached father's; 
all well. We have had a very pleasant time, nothing hav- 
ing occurred to mar the enjoyment of our visit; and I may 
say we have renewed cause for thankfulness unto Him who 
watches over his family and keeps them as in the hollow of 
his holy hand. 

Eighth Month 1st. Although I had left my Jersey home 
only on the 22nd ult., yet I went back to-day to visit the 
family. Dined with them, and passed part of the. after- 
noon; then called at Chalkley Gillingham's and went thence 
to Camden via Moorestown. I arrived at the ferry in time 
to get over ; so went to father's, and was occupied in get* 
ting ready for a long trip westward. 

2nd. First-day. H. T. Child, E: Johnson and self went 
to Moyamensing prison in the morning. On our way down 
I felt the weight of the undertaking very much, and in fear 
and trembling desired a proper qualification to perform the 
.duties assigned me. After taking our places we sat awhile 
in solemn silence, vv^hen I felt bound to arise, and in the 
power of the ever-blessed Truth to proclaim the glad tidings 
7 



106 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

of the Gospel to the people. Rowland followed me and 
spoke very impressively. Then I was led to approach the 
Throne of Grace, and was favored to perform the solemn 
service to the glory of Him to whom it is due. 

[In the autumn of 1840, S. J. L. went with his father on 
a journey to what was then " the West." See Appendix]. 

Fifth Month 7th, 1841. Believing that it will be right 
for me to keep an account of the passing time, I have com- 
menced this morning, at my new home — called " Spring 
Lawn" — hoping that there may be nothing written but 
what is consistent with the light of Truth. 

Since my journey with my father to the Western States, 
I have passed most of my time in the city, though fre- 
quently absent for short periods. I was much engaged in 
seeking a farm that would be suitable for a home, as I had 
a prospect of settling myself in the spring. After a con- 
siderable search, my father and myself decided upon pur- 
chasing the farm of — , near Moorestown, IST. J., and a 

Tew miles distant from that of N'athaniel Stokes, where I 
obtained my knowledge of farming. It is a valuable prop- 
erty, and the price was agreed upon. It was late in the 
autumn when we decided to take it. About that time I felt 
a drawing to pay a visit, in the State of Delaware, to the 
neighborhood where my paternal grandparents had resided ; 
also to attend the Southern Quarter and some of the meet-, 
ings composing it. My aunt Deborah Levick and my friend 
Rowland Johnson were with me at the Quarter, and R. ac- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 107 

companied me as far as the meeting at Little Creek. I had 
considerable labor to perform at these meetings, as an in- 
strument in the Lord's hand to call the attention of the 
people to that Light which enlightens every rational being, 
and which, if abode in, will lead to that city which needeth 
not the light of the sun by d'dj, nor of the moon by night, 
" for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the 
light thereof" 

I visited the meetings at Camden and Smyrna, and at 
the latter place, before going into meeting, the Friend at 
whose house we were stopping called me aside to deliver to 
me a cautionary message. He stated that a member had 
expressed to him a desire that I would not speak on the 
subject of slavery, and had requested him to inform me to 
that effect ; adding that, if I did, it would create an excite- 
ment. He then referred to the treatment to which Daniel 
]^eal had been subjected when traveling in company with 
Lucretia Mott a short time before. He was " tarred, feath- 
ered and ridden upon a rail." I replied to this Friend that 
I knew not whether I should say a word in the meeting ; 
neither did I know of what nature it would be if I should 
have anything to offer; but such as it should be, I must 
speak it. He said no more on the subject. Thus we see 
the fear of man — how it tends to bind us to the earth, and 
to shut our mouths and cause ns to cease pleading for the 
poor and oppressed, and showing to the oppressors their 
sins. Such situations are trials of our faith ; and if we do 



108 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

not stand near the God of our lives, we shall find that the 
enemy will have power over us, and we shall feel weak in- 
deed. But, thanks be to my dear Heavenly Parent, He was 
with me on this occasion, and He qualified me to bear testi- 
mony to his glorious Truths. In the language of lamenta- 
tion I was called upon to address them, even as the blessed 
Jesus did the people of Jerusalem. " Jerusalem, Jeru- 
salem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them 
which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered 
thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens 
under her wings, and ye would not." 

From Smyrna I went to CantwelPs Bridge, where the 
meeting was small, but to me it was an interesting one. I 
went home with John Allston and stayed over night; then 
took the steamboat for Philadelphia. 

During the winter I endeavored to make myself useful in 
visiting the poor, and supplying them with wood, from an 
association of which I was a member. 

I attended several meetings in the neighborhood of the 
city, and had a favored religious opportunity at the board- 
ing school for girls, kept by my friends John and Rachel 
Jackson at Sharon Hill. 

Various matters of personal interest occurred during the 
winter, though I was not much of the time away from the 
city. As the season advanced I began to prepare for farm- 
ing, also to look toward the accomplishment of our mutual 
intention — that of marriage — with my dear friend Ellen 



EARLY MANHOOD. 109 

Foulke. Accordingly, in the early part of Second Month, 
we laid our intentions of marriage before Richland Monthly 
Meeting, of which she is a member. I may here mention 
that I had left the J^orth Meeting, of which I was a birth- 
right member, and had had my name entered as a member 
on the books of Green Street Monthly Meeting. 

Soon after this, on paying a visit to the farm for which I 
had contracted, I found quite unsettled about part- 
ing with it; and before I left him, he seemed inclined to 
annul the contract which we had made. Such a change 
was quite unlocked for, and I knew not just how to pro- 
ceed at so late a date. On returning to the city, and inform- 
ing father what had transpired, I gave him a great surprise. 
Like myself, he was much disappointed ; but though our 
plans were thwarted, the uncertainty did not produce un- 
easiness in my mind, for my dear Master was pleased to be 
with me, and my spirit was calm and composed in the be- 
lief that the Lord would make a way for me, even where 
there appeared to be no way. Time went on, and the matter 
remained in a state of suspense, until the evening previous 
to the day of my departure from the city to accomplish my 

marriage. Then I received word from that he had 

decided to keep the farm. Thus was I thrown out of a home 
for my Avife and myself, just on the eve of our marriage, 
and when I thought I had a desirable one provided. But 
the Lord was with me, and his holy power strengthened 
me, causing me to feel a quiet contidence that a way would 



110 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

be opened for us. On arriving at the home of my dear 
Ellen, I informed her of what had taken place, and she 
seemed to bear it as if knowing that there is One who 
takes care of his children. 

Some inquiry had been made about a farm near this place, 
and my intended father-in-law informed me that he thought 
it could be obtained for us. 

, Fourth Month 3rd, 1841. Ellen Foulke and myself were 
united in marriage at Richland Meeting. The meeting was 
a comfortable one, and my mind was kept in a holy calm, 
the strength of Israel's Shepherd being measurably bestowed 
upon us. The remainder of the day was passed at the house 
of my father-in-law, Caleb Foulke, in a becoming manner. 
In the evening, before the company separated, we gathered 
into silence, and the wing of Divine love being spread over 
us, w^e were tendered under its influence. Our friends 
Joseph Thorne and Rowland Johnson ministered unto the 
company, and my spirit being bowed, I kneeled in vocal 
supplication. May glory, honor and praise be ascribed to 
Israel's unslumbering Shepherd for this favored opportunity. 
Thus closed our marriage-day ; a day to be remembered by 
us as one having the seal of Divine approval stamped upon 
its proceedings. May the good Father, by his Holy Spirit, 
qualif}^ us to do our part in advancing his glorious cause. 
After passing a few days with our friends at Quakertown, 
we went to Philadelphia and spent some time in visiting 
our friends in the city. In regard to a home we were still 



EARLY MANHOOD. Ill 

in a state of uncertainty, and it Avas not until about two 
weeks after our marriage that we knew where we should be 
settled. T7e then purchased from Joseph and Mary Slifer, 
a farm of eighty-five acres, situated in Eichland Township, 
Bucks County, Pa., about one mile from Richland Meeting- 
house, and from father Foulke's. AYe named our newly 
acquired possession " Spring Lawn," and settled upon it on 
the eio^hth dav of Fourth Month, 1841. In the first few 
weeks of our home-making and farming we had our trials 
and discouragements; my dear wife ^vas ailing for a con- 
siderable time, the weather w^as wet, the season backward, 
and I lost a valuable horse. I want to be instructed by 
these dispensations, for I feel that I am young, and, being 
noAv the head of a household, I realize my lack of experi- 
ence. But through all we have abundant cause to adore 
the Father of Mercies for his provident care over us ; so 
may praises be ascribed unto his great and glorious name. 

Our grandmother Green departed this life last Fifth-day, 
at the age of eighty-six years, and a sister of hers died a 
few^ days before, at the advanced age of ninety-seven. Re- 
markable instances of longevity. 

Fifth Month 25th. I have attended all the sessions of 
our Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia (Fourth and Grreen 
Streets), and felt comforted in being there, though we had 
to deplore the low state of society, as shown in the reports 
from the difierent quarters. A w^orldly spirit seems to have 



112 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

eaten up the good seed of the kingdom that has been sown 
in the heart of every creature. 

26th. Wrote to my friends, Rowland Johnson and Wil- 
liam Ellis, two to whom I am closely allied in feeling, as I 
believe that they are endeavoring to do the Lord's work. 
I desire that they may be kept near the watch-tower of safety 
— even Christ, the power of God — and by meekness and 
humility to know a being led in his paths, which are, indeed, 
paths of peace. In the afternoon, mother, brother William 
and sister Anna arrived from the city. We were much 
pleased to see them; as to have the company of those to 
whom I am so closely allied by consanguinity, I number 
among my many blessings. 

27th. Attended meeting this morning, and felt that we 
were lean and poor. Oh, saith my spirit, that we may be 
more alive ! Clouds appear to obscure the spiritual hori- 
zon, and the light of the Sun of righteousness seems to be 
shut out from my vision. But, let us not iaint in the win- 
ter season, neither take our flight on the Sabbath-day ; but 
wait, keeping low, and the Lord will, in his own time, arise 
for our deliverance. 

28th. Last night I was awakened from a sound sleep, 
and alarmed to find my dear E. coughing, and raising blood 
from the lungs. This morning she appears to be quiet and 
composed, though very weak. A holy calm has pervaded 
my own mind since recovering from the shock at first ex- 
perienced. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 113 

29tb. I can, in truth, saj, that hard things are being 
made easy, and crooked things straight to me ; and although 
nw beloved one has been, and still is, poorly, yet I believe 
that all things will " work together for good to them that 
love God." I feel that I am not as good, nor as much con- 
cerned about good as I ought to be; yet my hands hang 
not down, for I believe that way will be made for me, if 
only I am more watchful and quiet : more willing to take 
up the cross and keep humble. My prayer is so to be. 

30th. First-day. Attended meeting, in which I experi- 
enced great want and inward hunger for the bread of life, 
which led me to fear that I should have to go empty away. 
But the Lord — oh, blessed be his name ! — in the richness of 
his mercy and love, saw meet to open his storehouse, and to 
pour out upon us a portion of Heavenly bread, with a com- 
mand to me to distribute it. In great fear I bore my testi- 
mony, and the Lord's power was over us so perceptibly that 
some were tendered under this love. The reward of obedi- 
ence crowned my labors, which was a great comfort to me 
in this season of outward trial. On returning home found 
my dear wife quite comfortable, though at times suffering 
from oppression, as was the case during last night. 

In the afternoon G. B. called to see me, and we conversed 
about the things which appertain to the welfare of the im- 
mortal soul. Called in the evening to see our afflicted 
neighbor, William Mause, whose daughter Ann died quite 
suddenly; another daughter is lying very ill. 



114 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

May these dispensatioDs have an influence over all our 
minds, that we may search them to find whether our lamps 
are trimmed ready for burning. Search me^ Lord, and 
prove me, and if there be anything wrong in me, purge 
Thou it away ! 

31st. Attended the funeral of Ann Mause, and at the 
grave was led to call the attention of the people to the neces- 
sity of an individual examination of their states. Many 
young people were there, and were much tendered. May 
praises be ascribed unto our God. 

Sixth Month 1st. I record the kindness of our neighbors, 
assisting us in different ways. 

2nd. Attended the funeral of the other daughter of Wil- 
liam Mause. It was a baptizing time. I was enabled to 
relieve my mind. I want to be faithful in doing what seems 
to be required of me ; though I know that of myself I can 
do nothing to advance my Master's cause. 

3rd. Fine clear morning. Took my dear wife out. 

4th. Thomas Wickersham, of Beaver Falls, Penna., was 
at our Monthly Meeting, and was livel}^ in testimony. It 
was a comfortable meeting. 

5th. My dear wife is quite weak, but improving. I at- 
tended a public sale and made some purchases. I find the 
necessity for care lest we get ofi:^ our guard at such places. 

6th. First-day. At our meeting I was brought under 
exercise on account of a lack of proper observance of the 
hour for gathering. In the line of obedience I was fixvored 



EARLY MANHOOD. 115 

to lay the concern before Friends, knowing that we poor 
creatures can only do our part by being willing to do Avhat 
the Lord assigns us. If there were more indwelling of spirit 
we might be in a state of fitness to do what may be called 
for at our hands. 

7th. A fine clear morning. I took my dear wife down 
to see her sister, Marietta Penrose. While at work on my 
farm, was favored with a portion of Heavenly bread, Avhich 
was very refreshing to my soul. 

8th. Felt a holy calm cover my mind, which is worth 
more to possess than all the world. A peace with all men ; 
no angry, jealous nor envious feelings pervade the breast, 
but quiet reigns. It is a peace that the world knows not 
of; that it can neither give nor take away. 

25th. The health of my dear wife appears to be improv- 
ing. Since my last entry, father and Aunt Deborah have 
been up to see us, also my sister Elizabeth. I have at sea- 
sons been brought under exercise in our meetings, on ac- 
count of our indifiference to the things appertaining to the 
salvation of our souls. Unless we are alive and diligent we 
cannot expect to be joining with the Heavenly host in ascrib- 
ing glory to God. For myself I have desired to be found 
walking in the light, and keeping strictly in the path of 
duty, without swerving either to the right hand or the left. 
It requires daily watchfulness to prevent the enemy of our 
soul's peace from insinuating himself into our hearts. A 
man's worst enemies are those of his own household; they 



116 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

are within himself; his own will, his natural propensities — 
all good of themselves — when he looks to himself as the 
director, move not in harmony, but engender strife and dis- 
cord, whence flows that long list of evils with which earth 
is filled. But the power to subdue these internal enemies 
is given to all those who seek the Lord with their whole 
heart. 

Seventh Month 4th. For a week past we have been 
busily engaged in hay-making. Our bountiful Creator has 
blessed us with a crop, and we have been favored to gather 
it in good order, without over exertion on the part of any 
of the laborers. I have feared that there are some who, at 
these seasons, exact too much labor from those they have 
employed. While industry and energy are necessary in the 
accomplishment of any kind of business, 3'et I believe our 
beneficent Creator never designed that a man should so 
labor as to make life a burden. The spirit of self-aggrand- 
izement has so powerful an influence over our minds, that 
we forget that peaceful, sober, quiet waj^ which alwa^^s 
marks the path of those who walk in the light of the Sun 
of Righteousness. My desire is that J may not be carried 
away with this spirit, but may walk in the light which has 
been given unto me for my director. It is my concern daily 
to seek the Lord, and to be watchful over the thoughts that 
take possession of my mind. 

I have passed through various exercises since the last 
entry was made in my diary, and though feeling weak, I 



EARLY MANHOOD. 117 

have been enabled to press forward. I have been concerned 
that we may be more plain and circumspect in our outw^ard 
lives ; and especially in our apparel ; believing that every 
unnecessary appendage about our attire has a tendency to 
bind heavy burdens upon the poor, and to oppress the needy. 

Last Fifth-day my mind was brought under exercise on 
account of the smallness of our meeting. As all that we 
have is the Lord's, we need not hesitate to leave our crops 
while we go to wait upon Him, and thus fulfill his require- 
ment, for He does not require of us anything that is not of 
itself right and proper. If we endeavor to walk in obedience 
to the law of the Lord, we are in a condition to receive the 
blessings enumerated in the First Psalm. 

My dear wife and myself, accompanied by our sister 
Elizabeth and Jackson Moore and Hannah, went to Plum- 
stead, and attended the funeral of Elias Carey. On the fol- 
lowing day. First-day, attended the meeting at Buckingham, 
where I had an exercising time. I was led to call them 
into their tents, as Israel of old was called, that they might 
be instructed in the ways of Truth. We visited among our 
relatives, and came home on Second-day. 

Eighth Month 18th. Since the date of my last entry it 
has pleased my Divine Master to call me from home. In 
company with my esteemed friend, John C. Lester, I visited 
Western Quarter. The Meeting was large, a great many 
young people being present, and to these my mind was par- 
ticularly drawn. They were called to enlist themselves 



118 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

under the banner of the Prince of Peace, whose 'battles are 
not with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood, but 
with meekness, gentleness and long persuasion, his followers 
are drawn away from the " lo-heres" and the " lo-theres," unto 
Him, the Captain of their salvation. We were favored with 
the outpourings of the Holy Spirit. I found it to be my duty 
to return home immediately after the accomplishment of the 
service for which I had been called away. Since then I have 
attended our own Quarterly Meeting, held at Gwynedd. 
It was a baptizing time, and we had with us some of the 
Lord's servants, who had been made willing — like James 
and John — to forsake all and follow the Lord Jesus. With 
Divi-ne assistance, I was enabled to speak with boldness the 
truth unto the people. I feel humbled under a sense of the 
Lord's power over my weakness, that I should be called to 
arouse the people to a feeling of their condition, and to 
plead with them to return, repent and live. 

Ninth Month 10th. Left home to attend Salem Quarter, 
toward which my mind had for some time been drawn. In 
Philadelphia I was joined by my friend, Henry T. Child, 
who accompanied me on the visit. The Quarter was to be 
held on the twelfth, and on the evening previous we arrived 
at Salem, where we were kindly entertained at the home of 
Samuel Hackett and wife. ]!^ext morning, on going to meet- 
ing, an esteemed Friend very kindly came to me as a stranger, 
and invited me to go in with him, insisting — contrary to my 
desire — on my taking my seat in the upper gallery. I com- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 119 

plied with his wish, but before I had long sat there, I found 
that my peace consisted in moving my seat lower down, to 
a place corresponding to the one in which I usually sit. I 
made the change, and was rewarded with the peace that 
results from obedience. I make a record of this incident, 
and leave it as a caution for the elders that they may not 
cause either the stumbling or the wounding of those who 
are young in the ministry. 

After a brief communication from my companion, I was, 
under deep exercise, led to ask the people, What is the Gos- 
pel? and to answer the query by endeavoring to show them 
that the true Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, that 
it is preached to every rational creature under Heaven, from 
the least to the greatest, and that it cannot be learned in the 
schools of men : for none know" it save those to whom the 
Father reveals it by the operation of the Holy Spirit in 
their hearts. But He does not reveal this Gospel in the 
heart that has not first undergone the purification alluded 
to by John the Baptist, '' I, indeed, baptize you with water 
unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier 
than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; He shall 
baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire ; whose fan 
is in his hand, and He will thoroughly purge his floor, and 
gather his wheat into the garner ; but He will burn up the 
chafiP with unquenchable fire." Here we see the preparation 
that is necessary before we can become acquainted with this 
blessed Gospel ; and the mission of the Apostles, eighteen 



120 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

hundred years ago, was to call the attention of the people 
to this preparation, as a means to the great end of receiving 
a knowledge of the Gospel. 

How does this compare with what, in this day, is preached 
as Gospel? Who are the promulgators of it? A learned 
disquisition on Scripture is as different from a call to a self- 
denying life, as the accomplished theologian is from the illit- 
erate fishermen of Galilee ; and thus the minds of the hearers 
are led into a labyrinth of argument and away from the plain 
path of dut}^, that would guide them to pear'c. 

Tenth Month 18th. Judging from the temperature, and 
from the faded leaf, the season is approaching when the 
streams will be locked in icy fetters, and when man will be 
driven by chill winds to seek the shelter of his habitation. 
How wonderful are the workings of an Almighty Hand, and 
in beholding them how plainly we may see our own little- 
ness. It was He who said, '' Let there be light, and there 
was light," that formed man from the dust of the earth, and 
it is in Him that we live and move and have our being. And 
now, as the season is drawing to a close, I here bear my 
testimony to the great goodness of my Heavenly Parent in 
blessing me with an abundance of the good things of this 
life. But what enjoyment can I have in the possession of 
these outward gifts, unless I feel that they are the Lord's, 
and are to be used in such a way as will promote the ad- 
vancement of Truth, and redound to his glory. They have 
not been given us to riot in, or to take wholly unto our- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 121 

selves : for the stranger that sojourneth with thee is to be 
fed, the poor are not to be turned empty away; the cries 
of the hungry soul for the bread of Life must be satisfied ; 
and unto the poor the Gospel must be preached. In the 
proper discharge of all these duties the Spirit of my Heav- 
enly Father must direct me, or I shall surely fail. I seek 
not for worldly honor nor greatness ; if I may be favored 
with strength to perform thy requirings, and only thine, the 
end of my living will be accomplished, and my desires grati- 
fied ; for to serve the Lord is my chief delight. 

Often have I cause to realize my weakness and short-com- 
ings; for though I feel myself bound, in the love of the 
everlasting Gospel, to open my mouth in the assemblies of 
the people, yet I also feel the need of being taught and hum- 
bled still more before my Almighty Parent, that there may 
be nothing left in me, which his holy controversy is against. 
I feel willing to leave all at his requiring, and for his holy 
cause, knowing that He is a rich rewarder of all those who 
diligently seek to serve Him. If, now, I am to perform the 
service which seems to be required of me — to attend Balti- 
more Yearly Meeting — may I be clothed with the mantle 
of humility, and have my feet shod with the preparation of 
the Gospel, so that I may not run where I am not sent, nor 
utter what is not given me to say. Then shall I stray not 
from his holy habitation, neither shall the Truth be dishon- 
ored by me. I am blessed with an affectionate and Sym- 
pathizing wife, who, though weak in body, objects not to 
8 



122 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

ray going, but who is a strength unto me. What shall I 
render unto the Lord for all these favors. 

Eleventh Month 5th. In the renewings of Gospel love, 
I have paid a visit to Baltiniore Yearly Meeting. The pros- 
pect of leaving my family and my affairs brought me into 
serious concern, and to a close examination of the matter to 
try to ascertain whether it was the voice of the True Shep- 
herd, or that of the stranger, which was calling me to this 
labor. At length I was, I believe, fully convinced that it 
was the Father of all our sure mercies that was calling me 
to the work ; and then I was made willing to go ; and now 
that I have returned, I have renewed cause to feel satisfied 
of the requisition. 

During the sessions of the meeting we were favored with 
the abundant overshadowings of Divine love, whereby the 
messengers were qualified to open in clearness the mind 
of our Heavenly Father concerning his children there as- 
sembled. The gathering was large, and Friends from va- 
rious parts of the vineyard were there. 

Eleventh Month 18th. Since my return from Baltimore, 
I have been engaged in my various duties on the farm. I 
regard business, which is pursued for the maintenance of 
our families, as a part of the duty devolving upon us, and 
as necessary to be performed as is any other duty. I have 
often noticed, in reading the lives of eminent Friends, ser- 
vants of the Lord, that the mention of this part of their obli- 
gation has been omitted, either by themselves, or by those 



EARLY MANHOOD. 123 

who compiled the accounts ; but to me it seems to be im- 
plied in the second of the two commandments on which 
" hang all the law and the prophets." " Thou shalt love the 
Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and 
with all thy mind. This is the first and great command- 
ment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy 
neighbor as thyself." Do not the obligations growing out 
of these two commandments require the faithful performance 
of both religious and secular duties ? In gathering in the 
crops I feel that I have been blessed in the outward, and 
that from season to season the Lord is not unmindful of his 
dependent children ; but that while He provides for our 
creaturely wants. He will make us inwardly comfortable if 
we only surrender the government of our lives to Him. Li 
sitting in some of our meetings lately I have felt them to 
be void of life and power. Doubtless the void is owing to 
the weakness of myself, and perhaps others. Oh ! how the 
seed have to travail in secret, bemoaning this state of indif- 
ference. Then, again, there are seasons in which we are 
favored to have the dew^s of Heaven fall on us, and refresh 
us as does the outward dew the parched and dried grass. 
I often feel the necessity of more inward waiting on the 
Lord, that we may become acquainted with his holy requir- 
ing, so that if He should favor us with any openings, we may 
be prepared to receive them. It is my conviction that if we 
were oftener found in a state of readiness to hear the teach- 
ings of the Father, we should oftener be called to the per- 



124 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

formauce of duties. These might be different in their char- 
acter in different individuals, but all, if faithfully attended 
to, would redound to the glory and honor of the great " I 
am." 

We have, living in our family, and assisting on the farm, 
a young man who is a member of the Society of Friends. 
His name is Nathaniel Kinsey. A few days ago, while he 
was at work in the field, a man came up, and accosted him 
by telling him that he must either pay his militia fine — for 
having failed to appear on training day — or else go to jail. 
I^. informed him that he could not pay the tine, so he was 
taken away by the collector. The two went together to 
Richard Moore's, and the collector took his son, Jackson 
Moore, on the same claini. The aged grandmother of N. 
came out into the road to speak to him and to advise him 
to stand firm. From myself the ofiicers distrained property 
to the amount of ten or twelve dollars, though the fine is 
only two dollars. 

20th. While on the road to-day, I had a time of favored 
communion. The Lord will take care of his children and 
lead them in paths of safety. Our two friends who were 
taken to Doylestown and cast into prison, remained there 
about one week, when the Judge of the Court, hearing of 
their confinement, came and released them. 

1842. First Month 6th. At the commencement of a 
new year, I desire that we may feel renewed aspirations to 
our Heavenly Parent, that He will continue his watchful 



EARLY MANHOOD. J 25 

care over us. I feel the responsibilities of my changed situ- 
ation, and that on account of the blessings wherewith I have 
been blessed, a greater degree of dedication is necessary to 
enable me to perform whatever service may be called for 
from me. 

7th. I went to Philadelphia for the purpose of bringing 
home my dear wife, who has been making a visit to my 
parents. 

8th. Attended three meetings, morning, afternoon and 
evening, and was favoVed to do my duty to a comfortable 
degree of satisfaction. In the evening I was led to call the 
attention of the people away from the lo-here's and lo-there's, 
for it is a day of great running to and fro. There are many 
false teachers who would fain lead the people away from 
the Christ within to a standard which has been erected by 
the doctors and teachers of the day. Oh, may there be a 
turning to that which is good and pure, and which will lead 
us to the door of the true Sheepfoldl 

15th. First-day evening my wife and self are alone at 
our home, and the reward of peace for obedience, sweetens 
my enjoyment. On our return from the city we stopped to 
see a friend who seems to be suffering under the vail of con- 
demnation, and is at times very low and depressed. We had 
a comfortable time with him and his family, and I believe 
that as faithfulness is abode in, light will break out of ob- 
scurity, and brightness as at noon-day, and that he will be 
led to acknowledge his last days are his best days. 



126 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

This morning I attended the funeral of a Mennonite neigh- 
bor, at which I was led to declare the truth of the everlast- 
ing Gospel ; then went to our own meeting, where a view 
was presented to my mind, respecting the preparation of 
vessels made of clay. It appeared to me that this prepara- 
tion is an apt representation of the necessary work to be 
performed on the mind of man, before he can become fitted 
as a vessel for usefulness in the Lord's house ; and that there 
is a difference between being^^/e<i for use, and being useful; 
the one must be experienced before the other can be prac- 
tised. 

25th. Last week I joined a committee to pay a visit to 
our members at Stroudsburg. My companions in this ser- 
vice were Richard Moore and wife, Joseph Thorn e and 
wife, George Custard, Lydia Green and John C. Lester. 
"We arrived on Fourth-day evening, and on the following 
day attended their Preparative Meeting. The Friends were 
late in collecting, so that it was a long time before the 
meeting became settled, and I was led to open to them 
the necessity of parting with all they had that the Lord's 
holy controversy was against. In the business meeting 
much instructive counsel was handed forth by some of the 
members of our Committee. Friends appeared glad of our 
company, and we visited among the families to our satisfac- 
tion. 

Ninth Month 14th. After nearly nine months that have 
gone unaccounted for, I feel willing to sit down this even- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 127 

ing, in the silence of all flesh, hoping to be favored to make 
a profitable note of the events with which the period has 
been fraught. 

On the tenth of Third Month a daughter was born unto 
us, and the sense of being brought into the state of a parent 
filled lay mind with emotions such as I had never before 
experienced. The grave responsibilities of this station 
loomed up before me, and with the view, came a deep 
sense of my inability, of myself, to perform the duties that 
would devolve upon me as a true parent. Under a deep 
sense of this inability, desires were begotten in me that He 
who had watched over me would watch over her and keep 
her from all harm. And now that six months. of her life 
have passed, I ask of thee. Oh, Lord, should she arrive at 
an age to need a father's care, that Thou wilt be pleased to 
direct me in training her in the way in which Thou would 
have her to walk. So that, Oh, Lord, she may be influ- 
enced to follow the sound of Thy voice, to hearken to Thy 
calls, that she may come to rest under the fold of Thy love, 
and have Thy provident care round about her. 

During the spring and early summer the health of my 
wife rapidly declined, and it became evident that tiie mortal 
disease, pulmonary consumption, had fastened itself upon 
her. Much was done to arrest its progress, but all to no 
avail, and after months of suflering, patiently endured, she 
was released from the shackles of mortality. Her death 
occurred on the morning of Eighth Month 13th, 1842. 



128 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Thus, at the early age of twenty-six years, was she called to 
join the innumerable company composed of all nations, 
kindreds, tongues and people, that surround the Throne of 
the Lord Grod and the Lamb, having palms in their hands, 
and sounding the praises of Him that sitteth on the throne 
forever and ever. 

Yes, thus, in the bloom of life, was the companion and 
wife of my youth taken from me, having lived in the mar- 
ried state one year, fiYe months and nine days. May I not 
call them precious days ? Yea, they were such, on many 
accounts, although many of them were days of physical 
suffering for her, and of great anxiety for me, yet, through 
the mercies of an Almighty and benevolent Heavenly Par- 
ent, I trust they wrought in us a love for Him, which was 
to her more than health, wealth or any outward gift could 
furnish. Before passing away she was favored with an evi- 
dence that, having fought a good fight, having finished her 
course, having kept the faith, there was laid up for her a 
crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
Judge, would give unto her. Blessed be his name. There 
is Such a crown laid up for all them that love his appearing, 
even the 'inward, spiritual appearing of our Lord and Sav- 
iour Jesus Christ. Many precious opportunities we had 
together, as I sat at her bedside, and was impressed with 
her patience, meekness and great resignation during the 
long period of her illness. The sweet serenity with which 
she was favored, clearly proved that she had not been fol- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 129 

lowing cunningly devised fables, but the Lamb of God, 
through whose mediatorial offices she knew the record of 
her transgressions obliterated, and her spirit made white as 
snow. Had she not known her will to be slain I A dying, 
as it were, on the cross of all that was creaturely, and a 
rising into newness of life with her Redeemer, knowing 
her conscience sprinkled with that blood which speaketh 
better things than the blood of Abel, even the blood of the 
new covenant which was made when the Lord declared, 
" I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in 
their hearts, and will be their God, and they shall be my 
people ?" " I will forgive their iniquity, and remember 
their sin no more." On one occasion she told me that she 
had felt a desire '' tO' get about again this summer," but 
that now she had given that up, and hoped she might be fa- 
vored to give up all willingly ; that she trusted I would be 
willing to give her up freely. On my informing her that, 
with the Lord's assistance, I hoped I should, as I desired 
his will might be done in me, she seemed comfortable and 
composed. At another time, speaking to me concerning 
our dear child, she said she wished her to be brought up in 
the fear of the Lord and in the love of the ever-blessed 
Truth. She then addressed me as follows : " My dear hus- 
band, pleasant, very pleasant has been the time we have 
lived together. It has been short, but very comfortable. 
May thou be strengthened to bear up under this great 
trial." At diiferent times she made many excellent re- 



130 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

marks to those around her. In the latter part of the time 
her sufferings were very great, and she seemed desirous 
that, when He pleased, she might be released. The last 
night of her life was one of much bodily suffering, and as 
the morning began to dawn, while yet all I^ature seemed 
hushed, as if scarcely awakened from its slumbers, she 
pointed at the open door, and said, " Beautiful! Beautiful !" 
Then, as if alluding to herself, added, "Peace! Peace! 
Happy!" These were her last expressions, and after lying 
quietly for some time, Pier spirit winged its flight to Grod, 
who gave it. Thus, before having completed my twenty- 
third year, am I left with a tender babe, who has not a 
mother to love and to care for it. Yet thankful I am in 
the belief that He who heareth the young ravens when they 
cry, and feedeth them, will provide for my precious little 
one. And as she is now with my parents, I feel well satis- 
fied with her earthly care-takers. As regards myself, I feel 
bound to leave on record, for the encouragement of others, 
that the Lord has blessed me during this dispensation, 
which so soon separated me from her to whom I had been 
attached since my tenth year, and to whom my attachment 
grew stronger and stronger as the years rolled on. I am 
willing to give my experience for the benefit of others, that 
they may be encouraged to look to our Heavenly Father 
for his direction in this veri/ important proceeding. During 
the winter previous to our marriage I was led, one day, to 
cry unto the Lord for his guidance in this weighty matter. 



EARLY MANHOOD. 131 

when approval seemed clearly to be given in answer to my 
cry, and liberty to proceed. And now, blessed be his most 
adorable name, I am favored to bear up in the midst of my 
affliction, and to feel how destitute I should be without Di- 
vine support. Persuaded I am that, through the aid of the 
Holy Spirit, my dear companion was, in a great degree, the 
instrument that led me away from those desires and affec- 
tions which, had I followed them, would have deprived me 
of access to the Fountain of Life, at which I am, at times, 
permitted to drink for my spiritual refreshment. May 
glory, honor, praise and renown be ascribed unto Him who 
is Lord over all, blessed forever and ever. 

During the illness of my dear wife our friends were very 
kind to us, and their sympathy was comforting, as their 
assistance was helpful. Our near relatives, both hers and 
mine, were much with us during this long season of afflic- 
tion. My dear mother strengthened us by her presence, 
care, counsel and assistance, for she was much attached to 
my precious Ellen, as were also my father, brothers and 
sisters. This parental, brotherly and sisterly affection was 
truly comfortii]g to me in my sore affliction. How good it 
is at such times, and at all times, to have this famih^ love 
abound. And m}^ desire is that it may continue and 
strengthen as the years roll on, that we may be a little 
flock, banded together by our Heavenly Parent's love, so 
that when we have to know a separation from our earthly 
IDarents, we can look to Him for preservation and direction. 



132 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Our aunt, Lydia Green, is one whose name I cannot men- 
tion but with feelings of gratitude, for her untiring labor 
and care in nursing niy wife. Truly she was a mother to 
her and to my little girl. May the blessing of heaven rest 
upon her for thus caring for me and mine, poor creature 
that I am. I would also mention my dear father and 
mother Foulke, also sisters and brothers -in-law, for their 
kindness and sympathy in this time of trial. After the 
decease of my beloved wife, my mother and aunt Lydia 
Green remained with us for some time, and my friend, 
Kezia Foulke, who has been as an elder sister unto us, 
came to assume the responsibilities of housekeeper. At 
length I took my mother and my child to Philadelphia, 
and left them at father's, which is to be the home of my 
dear little daughter. Thus am I stripped of my outward 
companions, and I often look upon my habitation as a 
lonely one, as it would be, were it not for the kind care of 
an ever-watchful Parent, who looks with compassion on his 
children, and visits and refreshes them with the tendering 
influences of his love. My spirit has been bowed before 
Him, that I may be kept from straying, knowing that there 
are enemies on the right hand, and on the left, some of 
whom may be clothed with the paraphernalia of the Lamb's 
followers and appear as mouth-pieces unto the people — 
blind guides, as I fear — but, for myself, I am impressed 
with a sense of the necessity of watchfulness unto prayer. 
During the time of my wife's illness, and since her re- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 133 

moval from among us, I have been but little from home. 
But in our household, and in the small meetings at Kich- 
land, we have been favored, by the Dispenser of all Good, 
with the breaking of bread for our refreshment. 

Mnth Month 21st. I see the necessity now, as much as 
formerly, for Israel to dwell alone from the strife of 
tongues, for the tongue is an unruly member, and it has 
never been tamed by man. It is this tonguey spirit, this 
noisy spirit, that is now going abroad, and that will be 
likely to ensnare some who, as I believe, were designed for 
vessels of honor in the Lord's house. In view of this strife 
of tongues, may the true Israel dwell in their tents until 
they are commanded by the Captain of their soul's salva- 
tion to go forward and wage war against the enemies of 
Truth and righteousness, having a protective armor against 
all danger so long as they follow the leadership of One who 
never lost a battle. 

On last Seventh-day week I went to Warminster, and on 
the following day attended Horsham Meeting. I was led to 
sound an alarm among them, lest they might bring them- 
selves to the belief that there is no truth in that which we 
call Truth, or that there is no God. By dwelling in the 
gift I was enabled to discharge my duty towards them to 
my own peace and satisfaction. 

On the following First-day I attended Plymouth Meeting, 
and feeling called to open my mouth among them, I was 
getting along satisfactorily, until I came to a passage of 



134 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Scripture which I feared to quote, lest I might not give it 
correctly; here, I left my Sure Guide, and hearkened to 
my own understanding. I soon found my way closed up, 
so I took my seat, feeling much bowed down on account of 
my wickedness and folly. Thus, for want of obedience, 
was the work marred, and Truth prevented from rising 
into that dominion which, I believe, it would have done if 
I had kept close to my Guide. By this experience I am 
taught the great necessity for watchfulness and care. 

Tenth Month 7th. To become rightly qualified to labor 
is a matter of vast importance; for, persuaded I am, that 
there are many who are desirous to labor, and w^ho are 
laboring, but who yet lack that essential qualification for a 
laborer in the Lord's vineyard, true humility. There is a 
simple, humble, waiting state, that must be known and felt, 
before we can come to know the pure Word administered. 
My soul desires for the children of men that they may be 
taught by the Teacher of teachers, the Minister of ministers, 
who would open to their minds that w^hich is Truth indeed, 
and would confer upon them knowledge which would be as 
a treasure that no man could take from them. If the people 
were seeking for Truth through this channel there would 
be less looking unto men, and less heeding of the opinions 
of men, but a seeking for Christ, the pure Word, the only 
true Light. For being the Son of the Father, who is wholly 
Light, H«, the Son, must be Light, and his life is the light 



EARLY MANHOOD. 135 

of men. This life must be felt in us, before we can know 
our life to be " hid with Christ in God." 

As a traveller who desires to enter the Canaan, the land 
of plenty, my soul is often bowed under a sense of our 
many infirmities, even such as Israel of old had to contend 
w^ith in their journey to the Promised Land. We find that 
safety attended them as they abode under the cover of the 
pillar of cloud by day, and followed the pillar of fire by 
night. And this is the alone safety for the spiritual Israel 
in this, our day. This pillar is a figure, a type of Christ, 
who was, who has been, and w^ho still is, the Teacher of his 
people himself. Let us, then, come to know" Him to be 
our Teacher, and the Director of our lives; for then shall 
we be wisely instructed and safely led, even though we may 
feel that of fathers and mothers there are none, and that 
the love of many has waxed cold; yet, by following this 
unerring Guide, we shall be conducted safely through this 
life, and, at the end of the journey, landed on that shore 
where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are 
at rest. 

At our last Monthly Meeting we had the company and 
Gospel labors of Rachel Hicks, of Westbury, Long Island. 
She was called upon to sound an alarm to such as were at 
ease; who were dead as to a knowledge of the true and sav- 
ing faith, who were listless and idle as regards the impor- 
tant work of the souPs salvation. My spirit could bear 
testimony with her spirit to the existence of such a state 



136 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

among us; and the necessity on the part of some for an 
arousing lest they sleep the sleep of death, and awake in 
the confines of a never-ending eternity, without having oil 
in their vessels with their lamps. 

Last First-day I was at Byberry, attending the funeral of 
a worthy Friend and elder, James Walton. I went in com- 
pany with brother Benjamin G. Foulke and his wife and 
sister, not knowing, until we came into the neighborhood, 
of the death of our friend. The interment was before meet- 
ing, and the large concourse of people in attendance filled 
the meeting-house very full. Jesse /Kersey, Edward Hicks 
and John Comlj^ all appeared in testimony, as did also Mary 
Pike, sister of the deceased. I was brought under much 
exercise on behalf of those who, with myself, were in the 
morning of life, that we might be willing to surrender our 
whole hearts unto the keeping of the Shepherd of Israel 
who watches over his children both by night and by day ; 
and as I beheld our fathers in the Truth following the re- 
mains of a beloved brother to the grave, the pra3'er of my 
spirit was that He who had been their morning light, their 
noontide Director, and was now watching over them in 
their eventide, would be pleased to be with his lisping chil- 
dren who are just coming forward in the solemn service of 
the ministry. We had a solid, comfortable meeting, and 
my Boul was led to adore Him who was pleased to be mouth 
and wisdom, tongue and utterance unto his little ones. May 
everlasting praises be ascribed unto Him who is forever 



EARLY MANHOOD. 137 

worthy of honor and praise from the workmanship of his 
holy hand. Amen. 

Yesterday, at our own meeting, a marriage was solemn- 
ized, and many were in attendance. The solemnity of the 
marriage covenant, and the vast importance of its proper 
observance were livingly opened to the view of my mind, 
and I was led to show that as we deem it essential to call 
upon the Lord of Heaven and earth to loitness our promises ; 
so to fulfill them we must know our lives to be directed by 
his holy law. As those in the marriage relation are thus 
directed, harmony and peace will flow around them, and 
they will be united in that love, which being bounded by 
the love of God, will prove to be a strength unto them in 
the hour of afiliction, and the language of their spirits will 
be, not our wills but Thine, Lord, be done. 

Tenth Month 27th. At our Preparative Meeting the three 
Queries were answered, and we were favored to consider 
seriously our besetments : that freedom which the Truth 
gives was felt to be among us. 

Our neighborhood has been saddened by the sudden de- 
cease of a young man, near my own age, and an only son. 
His funeral was a very solemn occasion, and many were the 
eyes from which flowed tears of sorrow. The message of 
the Lord was sounded among the gathered multitude, and 
the day was one that, I trust, will not soon be forgotten. 

My mind has, latterly, been brought under much exercise 
in view of an obligation resting on me to pay a visit, in Gos- 
• 9 



138 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

pel love, to the meetings composing the Southern Quarterly 
Meeting, and have some meetings out from among Friends 
in that part of the country. The undertaking has seemed 
weighty, hut as I dwelt under the concern. He whom I 
delight to serve has shown me in the clearness, that it is Ms 
requiring ; so that, when the time shall arrive, I expect to laj^ 
it before my friends for their serious consideration. We are 
poor finite creatures; and when I have looked at myself, and 
beheld my youth, my weaknesses, and my short-comings, I 
have felt ready to cry out. Surely it is not I who am thus 
called. When in Philadelphia, recently, I saw my beloved 
friend, Rowland Johnson, who informed me that he had been 
under a concern to pay a visit to the Southern Quarter, and 
its branches. It seemed like a confirming evidence of my 
concern being in the life. 

Eleventh Month 4th. Our Monthly Meeting, and a day 
to be remembered by me. We had the company of our 
friends Joseph Saunders, Silas Edson and Isaac C. Parry. 
In obedience to what I believed to be a Divine requirement 
I laid before my friends the above-mentioned concern. Sol- 
emn, indeed, were the feelings that pervaded my' mind, but 
I was enabled to rise above discouragement ; and my friends 
expressed much unit}^ with my. prospect, and encouraged 
me to pursue it, granting me a minute accordingly. My 
friend John C. Lester expressed a willingness to accompany 
me in the proposed visit, and a minute to that eflect was 



EARLY MANHOOD. 139 

prepared for him. " Return unto thy rest, my soul ; for 
the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." 

Eleventh Month 9th. Since Monthly Meeting my tnne 
has been much occupied in preparing for leaving home; as 
I deem it important to try to leave all things in such a con- 
dition that none will be likely to suffer during my absence, 
but that all will be provided for, as comfortably as circum- 
stances will permit. 

First Month 1st, 1843. This is the first day of the w^eek, 
of the month, and of the year. We have had a favored 
meeting; the blessed Head of the Church was pleased to 
pour out of his Spirit upon us, and to unfold his wonder- 
working power on our minds. The past year is one not to 
be forgotten by me ; for I have known a separation from a 
beloved companion, the wife of my youth, and at a period 
when there had been added to the chain of our affection a 
link in the form of a dear child. But so it has been ; and 
as it is impossible to change the decree, it is our duty to 
bow in humble submission to the Divine Will. I^o human 
being save myself knows the loss that I feel, as one alone ; 
but I can say that the good Master is often pleased to be 
near me, and to refresh me with his presence. I tr^ist that it 
has had a refining tendency, and that it has made me more 
humble ; experiencing greater desires to be found doing the 
will of my Heavenly Parent. 

8th. Attended Abington Meeting of Friends, having 
felt a concern to do so, also to visit a young man, one ot 



140 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

their members, who has gone contrary to the order of So- 
ciety. My friend, John C. Lester, accompanied me, and it 
pleased the great Head of the Church to be with us, so that 
through the operation of his Holy Spirit I was enabled to 
relieve my mind by handing forth such as was given me for 
that assembly. A favored meeting it was ; and I have re- 
newedly been made sensible of the importance of being 
instant in season, in attending to the manifestations of duty. 
Went to the city in the afternoon, attended Cherry Street 
Meeting in the evening, and returned home next day. 

15th. Attended Upper Dublin Meeting when on my way 
to the city. The gathering was not very large, but we had 
a comfortable meeting. I was led to speak of the prepara- 
tion of glass, and its manufacture into different kinds of ar- 
ticles, as beautifully illustrative of the state that every mind 
has to pass through before it can become fitted to be a 
useful vessel in the Lord's house. Glass admits the light 
and keeps out the cold; and there may be some persons 
who are afraid to allow themselves to be used, lest they 
might get broken ; but these would be entirely safe so long 
as they kept in the Father's house ; for nothing can destroy 
or even hurt us so long as we remain there; and though 
often used, and for a long time, no wear will be apparent in 
the vessel. In the evening of the same day I attended the 
Arch Street Meeting of Friends in Philadelphia, having for 
some time past had my mind turned to that meeting. It 
was under much weight and bowedness of spirit that I en- 



EARLY MANHOOD. 141 

tered the house and took m}- seat among the people, feeling 
entirely willing either to keep silence, or to do whatever I 
might be called upon to perform. It was not until toward 
the latter part of the meeting that I found I must needs 
break through the outward silence of so large a gathering 
of people. As there was, on my part, a waiting and a de- 
pending, the power was afibrded me to throw off the con- 
cern that had taken hold of my mind. After I had taken 
ni}^ seat a degree of solemnity appeared to cover the meet- 
ing ; but I attributed this not to myself in the least, but to 
the power of the Holy Grhost in the hearts of the people. 
Feeling drawn to appear in vocal supplication, though a 
close trial to the flesh, I threw myself wholly upoii my 
Heavenly Parent for support, and He was pleased to give 
all that I needed. May the tribute of praise and thanks- 
giving be ascribed unto Him w^ho is Lord over all, blessed 
forever. I am of the belief that there were precious plants 
in that assembly ; and my desire for these is, that the Lord 
may water them, and that they may grow as willows b}' the 
water-courses, whose branches spread far and wide. I re- 
tired that night with a crown of peace covering my mind — 
a precious privilege, and one that we cannot, of ourselves, 
command. 

I paid a visit of one week to my father's family, and a 
satisfactory time it was of mingling with ray near and dear 
relatives. 

22nd. Feelinof drawn thereto I attended Friends' Meeting 



142 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

at Moorestown, 'N. J. It was a favored meeting, wherein 
we were baptized with the holy baptism, and permitted to 
drink of the spiritual Rock that followed Israel, which Rock 
was Christ. Chalkley Gillingham also appeared in testi- 
mony, and our friend, Mary S. Lippincott, was much fa- 
vored in her approaches to the Throne of Grace in vocal 
supplication. I dined with Isaac and Mary S. Lippincott, 
and in the afternoon had a religious opportunity with their 
pupils (they have a boarding school for girls), which — though 
quite a trial to me to ask for — proved to be a comfortable 
season. May the Good Shepherd watch over these lambs, 
and may they be willing to be led by his direction to follow 
the sound of his voice. 

Fourth Month 2nd. During the time that has elapsed 
since my visit to my father's family, I have been mostly at 
home, save the attendance of my own Quarterly Meeting, 
held at Abington, and of Bucks, held at Wrightstown. 
Both of these were in Second Month, and at the latter I 
had the company of my much esteemed friend, George 
Custard. It was a large gathering, but the wing of Ancient 
Goodness overshadowed us, and qualified the handmaidens 
of the Lord, who were in attendance, to divide the Word 
aright. Most of the vocal service seemed to rest on Mary 
Rowland and Mary S. Lippincott, though there were others 
who had to bear a portion; and throughout the meeting we 
were favored with seasons of solemn quiet, which is the case 



EARLY MANHOOD. 143 

where there is a tarrying at Jerusalem until there is received 
a qualification from on High. 

In Third Month at Haddonfield Quarter; it was a fairly 
satisfactory meeting, but the love of the world is too much 
engrossing the time and the attention of many, prevent- 
ing that earnest engagement of spirit which was so marked 
a characteristic of the early Friends. In my OAvn sitting- 
room I have been much instructed in viewing a tender 
plant that stands in the window. Avoiding the darkness, it 
bends its branches toward the light of the sun ; thus main- 
taining a healthy existence; yet man, who is endowed with 
rational powers, turns his back upon the Light, and chooses 
to walk in darkness, because his deeds are evil — yes, because 
his deeds are evil, he is unwilling to allow the Lord of life 
and glory to enter into his heart and there to sway the 
sceptre of righteousness. But our deeds must be brought 
to the light, and they loill be brought there, either in mercy 
or in judgment. 

Within the past two weeks I have attended the funerals 
of two aged members of the Mennonite persuasion. They 
were neighbors of mine, and men who have lived lives of 
righteousness, setting a good example to those around them. 
One of them felt it to be his duty to wear his beard : and it 
being, like his locks, silvered with age, gave him a venera- 
ble appearance. His name was Casper Yeother, and he 
died in his ninety-second year. The other was Christian 
Zetty, aged seventy-six years. Both of them w^ere intimate 



144 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

friends of our late father in the church, John Foulke. At 
tliese funerals I had something to saj to the people ; and 
although they are accustomed to the German language, and 
many of them understand but little of the English, yet there 
seemed to be an open door in their hearts. 

Having for some time past felt a concern resting upon 
my mind to have some meetings among the people around 
about us, who are not of our profession, and having ex- 
pressed it to my friends at Monthly Meeting, and received 
their approbation, we held one, last First-day, at the house 
of Saul Fellman at Bunker Hill ; and a very satisfactory 
meeting it was. Quite a number attended, and solemnity 
covered the company. Our own meetings, latterly, have 
been to me very precious seasons, both when permitted to 
enjoy them in silent waiting upon God, and when prompted 
by a sense of duty to be a mouth-piece unto the people. 
I fully believe that if there is only a willingness to surrender 
their all unto tVie Lord's keeping, there will be raised up 
among us sons and daughters who will be qualified to 
hold up the ensign unto the people. Within the last year 
we have had several appearances in the ministry, and ni}' 
secret breathings for these are that they may be strength- 
ened to be faithful ; but most especially do I crave that I 
may be preserved in the right path. O Father, into th}^ 
hands I commit my spirit, so that thou mayst keep me low 
and humble, closing my ear to flattery and praise, in order 
that I may grow in the knowledge of the Truth, and may 



EARLY MANHOOD. 145 

wax stronger in the love of thy holy law. May I be slain 
unto the world, its love and its desires, and thus be fitted to 
be a partaker of the Heavenly enjoyment which is in store 
for all that love Tliee. Unto Thee, Father, we will ascribe 
glory and honor, thanksgiving and praise, now, henceforth 
and for evermore ! 

Fourth Month 6th. This day I have been the recipient 
of favors of such a character as to cause my heart to over- 
flow with gratitude to Almighty Goodness for continuing 
his remembrance of one so little and so unworthy as I feel 
myself to be. At our little mid-week meeting, in the silence 
of all flesh, my spirit was refreshed, and I was encouraged 
to a faithful perseverance in the path allotted me. I was 
also drawn into near and deep sympathy with different 
spiritual states there present ; and the secret breathings of 
my spirit to the Father were that He would be pleased to 
remember his little ones, his dependent ones ; and for those 
who are not yet fully engrafted on the fruit-bearing vine, 
the desire was that they might close in with the proffers of 
redeeming love. 

After these secret aspirations I was drawn out into the 
expression of a few words for the encouragement of some 
who may be disposed to look at their brethren with a feel- 
ing of " what shall this man do ?" To such the language 
was, " If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to 
thee ? Follow thou me." Great peace followed this little 
exercise. In the afternoon I was at Benjamin G. Foulke's, 



146 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

where we had read the " Short Account of a Long Journey 
from Babylon to Jerusalem." It was instructive and edify- 
ing. Our dear sister-in-the-Truth, Hannah B. Lester, was 
of the little company, and after the reading we had a 
precious opportunity — chiefly a silent one — wherein the 
covering of solemnity seemed to be spread over us. 

My kind friend, Kezia Foulke, continues with me, pre- 
siding over my household, and her company has been a 
great strength to me. Friends of the neighborhood have 
also been very kind, and I feel myself as comfortable as 
could be expected for one in my situation. Oh, how satis- 
fying it is to have a Friend that sticketh closer than a 
brother, and One on whom we may rest all our burdens! 
I cannot express my gratitude for the favors conferred 
upon me. 

Seventh Month 28th. I have had, during the past three 
months, provings, turnings and baptisms, both on my own 
account and for the gathering of the precious children into 
the enclosure of Divine love. 

In the Fifth Month I attended our Yearly Meeting, 
which was to me a refreshing season, for self-abasement 
covered my min<d and melted my spirit in humble grati- 
tude. Our spirits were harmonized together, and I believe 
it was good for me that I was there. 

In the latter part of the same month I went to Bucks 
Quarter, held at Buckingham. It w^as the largest collec- 
tion of people that I have ever seen at a meeting outside of 



EARLY MANHOOD. 147 

the city. The Great Shepherd was pleased to bless and 
to break bread among us, I trust, to the strengthening of 
some who were present. I have had two meetings among 
those not of our Society, which were fairly satisfactory. 

How many false standards of religion are held up before 
the people! One that is just now popular, and that has 
many votaries, is the standard of modern morality ; claim- 
ing that if we are what is termed temperate, benevolent, 
&c., that this is all that is required of us, even though full 
of pride and evil-speaking. With these there is a danger 
of becoming self-conceited, self-righteous and rich in their 
own possessions. Ah ! such can never enter into the king- 
dom of heaven. When the message of the Lord is pro- 
claimed among them, bearing testimony against this, as not 
being the true i*est, they seem not to comprehend the warn- 
ing, or at least not to regard it as the Word of Life. The 
desire of my soul for this class is, that the Lord may anoint 
them with the eye-salve of his kingdom, that they may see 
Him, the Bishop of Souls, to be beautiful and altogether 
lovely ; that they may know a being born again, not after 
the flesh, but of the incorruptible seed and Word of Life. 
Until the children of men are both willing and obedient, 
the Lord's kingdom cannot come, nor his will be done on 
earth as it is in heaven. There is in us an ability that is 
always ready to do, and always qualified to do. We must 
know this to be laid down, even at the feet of the Master, 
that we may receive from Him the w^isdom which is from 



148 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

above, which is "first pure, then peaceable," &c. This 
wisdom, so different from the human, is, indeed, " full of 
mercy and of good fruits," and as it is sought and abode in, 
it will enable us to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim 
liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to 
them that are bound. 

With mj^ brother, Benjamin Gr. Foulke, for ray compan- 
ion, I have attended Friends' Meeting at Salem, IsT. J., and 
in the afternoon of the same day the one at Wilmington, 
Del. We were enabled to accomplish the journey between 
the two meetings through the kindness of our friend and 
relative, Aaron B. Ivins, who took us to Pennsgrove, and 
from Newcastle we were forwarded by a man named Saw- 
yer, whose wife is a Friend. Both husband and wife were 
strangers to us. On our return to Philadelphia we found 
my father seriously ill, so that we hastened home, and 
informed mother, who had been staying at my house dur- 
ing my absence. Father has been a very healthy man, and 
having a good constitution, he recovered from this attack, 
though it was a severe one. 

Ninth Month 10th. During the past month great spirit- 
ual dearth and want have been experienced. This condition 
followed a state of great plenty that had been enjoyed for 
some time before. During this time of poverty the enemy 
has made his appearance, and presented himself to me in 
many specious ways, until I have, at times, almost been 
brouirht to believe that no srood thino- had ever been my 



EARLY MANHOOD. 149 

portion to bear unto the people. But the Lord, who knows 
the wants of his children, will, in his own time, appear in 
their assemblies, and will manifest himself among them by 
the breaking of bread, even that bread which is a strength 
to the famished spirit. But it must be in his time, and we 
must patiently abide in the time of our want, as well as 
rejoice in the season of plenty. 

Having, for some time past, felt m}- mind drawn to visit 
Friends and others within the limits of Baltimore Yearly 
Meeting, I laid the concern before our last Monthly Meet- 
ing. After a time of deliberation on the subject, a minute 
of unity and concurrence w^as granted, which, according to 
our good order, was presented to the Quarterly Meeting, 
when my concern was opened there. In this meeting there 
was a time of silent waiting, but loay did not open for grant- 
ing the necessary certificate of procedure, and I am satisfied 
that it was the w^isdom of Truth that the matter should go 
no farther at this time. I felt how essential it is for those 
who are fathers in the Church, as well as for all of us, to 
keep near the holy Fount, for thus is preservation extended 
to the children. The decision of the meeting was not the 
result of any unkind or improper feeling toward me, but of 
a desire to be governed by the mind of Truth. The way 
had, in some measure, closed up in my owni mind, but fear- 
ing that m}' misgivings were caused by my ow^n weakness 
and reasonings, I was afraid to withhold the concern, and 
so I thought best to lay it before my friends, believing that. 



150 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

in their decision, the mind of Truth would be obtained, as 
I trust it was. I find the matter still rests on my mind, but 
as to when the way will open for me to proceed in it, I 
know not, neither do I desire to know, until it be the will 
of my Father to make it known. I have returned the min- 
ute to our Monthly Meeting, with the information that way 
did not open to proceed. There is, on the part of some, a 
disposition to iind fault with the regulations of the Church, 
and the order established among us concerning the minis- 
try, but the more I become acquainted with the nature of 
the Divine work of a minister of the Gospel, the more am 
I satisfied with our excellent order; and when it is admin- 
istered under the sanctifying power of Divine love, it has a 
tendency to strengthen our love for one another, and to be 
a blessing unto all. 

Twelfth Month 26th. As of ourselves we can do nothing 
to promote the welfare of our own souls, or those of our 
brethren, so it is only by the touches of his holy finger that 
the lip can speak, or the pen delineate, his power, his glory 
and his praise. It is not from the amount written or 
spoken, that wisdom is to be derived, but, as the Apostle 
declared, " I had rather speak five words with my under- 
standing, * * * than ten thousand words in an un- 
known tongue." This speaking in an unknown tongue, I 
fear, is too much practised in our day; for where there is, 
on the part of the people, a desire to hear words, I have 
feared that there is in the minds of some who speak in our 



. EARLY MANHOOD. 151 

assemblies, a willingness to gratify this desire. Thus there 
is fostered in both speaker and hearers, a growth of that 
spirit which must die before Christ shall become our chief 

joy- 

My spirit travails in exercise on account of the beloved 
youth, living as they do in a day when the means which the 
enemy of all righteousness is using, are so plausible, so in- 
sidious in their character, that the spiritual sense of these 
precious young people, has become blunted, and they have 
grown so wise in their own conceits that they do not hearken 
to the voice of the Lord, nor are they willing to listen to 
his qualified instruments, where the message or its delivery 
does not please their critical but vitiated taste. How subtle 
are the devices of the reasoner to draw the children away 
from the Father's house; even making some believe that 
they are already in possession of the riches of the kingdom ; 
and encouraging others to believe that the course they are 
pursuing will lead them, eventually, to the Heavenly Jeru- 
salem. 

My prayer for these deluded ones is that they may with- 
draw as to the other side of the mountain ; that they may 
often be found on the watch-tower, watching for the ap- 
proaches of the enemy, and at the same time waiting to 
hear the voice of the beloved of souls. Here and here only, 
is preservation ; and it is to this place of safety that I would 
invite our young people, and include myself in the invitation. 

For those who are farthei' advanced on the journey of life. 



152 * LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

as well as in religious experience, and who should be ready 
to take their places in the fore-front of the battle, so as to 
ward oiF the enemy, and prevent encroachments upon our 
Zion, I have been deeply concerned lest the love of the 
world, and the pursuit of its riches, should so benumb their 
spiritual energies, as to mar their usefulness in the Church, 
and deprive them of the power to become valiants in the 
Lamb's warfare. '' Awake, awake, put on thy strength, 
2^ion ; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy 
city : for henceforth there shall no more come unto thee the 
uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the 
dust; arise, and sit down, Jerusalem : loose thyself from 
the bands of thy neck, captive daughter of Zion." Then 
will the mourners and the heavy-hearted in Zion cry aloud 
and rejoice; their wailing and lamentation will be turned 
into rejoicing when they behold those that had been dead, 
to be made alive, and to be adorned with the white robe, 
which is the clothing of the saints. 

That all the sons and daughters of men whose eyes have 
been in a measure anointed with the eye-salve of the King- 
dom, whereby they have been enabled to see the emptiness 
of all worldly enjoyments, would be clothed with the white 
robe, and come to the marriage supper of the Lamb ; then 
would they be read}^ to be used for the hastening of the day 
" When the kingdoms of this world are become the king- 
doms of our Lord and of his Christ; and He shall reign for 
ever and ever." But this day can never dawn until we are 



EARLY MANHOOD. 153 

found willing to be faithful, and to know of a truth that the 
Lord of Heaven and earth is our God. 

Thus has my spirit been drawn to write this evening, not 
knowing when I took my pen what I should write, nor do I 
know to what purpose I have written it. 

During the past few months I have been mostly at home, 
though I have had some service at meetings in Philadel- 
phia, at Haddonfield Quarter, and in visiting the Monthly 
Meetings of my own Quarter. Truly it may be said " The 
ways of Zion do mourn because " so few " come to her 
solemn feasts." At Haddonfield we were baptized together 
into much nearness and tenderness, and the call was ex- 
tended to those who were asleep, to awake, and C-hrist 
would give them light; the youth were exhorted to bow 
their necks to his yoke, and their backs to his burdens; 
while the mourners in Zion were encouraged to hold fast 
the profession of their faith without wavering. 

Oh, the exceeding goodness of God to his creature man I 
I have to speak of it ; my soul must bear testimony to it, 
for when I was an hungered. He fed me; when I was thirsty 
He gave me drink; when my soul was sick and under the 
bondage of sin. He visited me, and poured in the oil and 
the wine to heal, after that He had purged me by the fire 
of his love ; yea and He continues to care for me still. I 
would that every sin-stricken and tried soul would come 
to the Physician of value, and be healed of its maladies. 
" And the Spirit and the bride say. Come. And let him 
10 



154 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the 
water of life freely." 

[This is the last of the Diary. It closes with the year 
1843.— Ed.] 



CHAPTER Y. 



MATURE MANHOOD. 



As the Diary of Samuel J. Levick ends with the year 
1843, the leading incidents of the remaining forty-one years 
of his life were not consecutively recorded. Indeed, many 
of them were not recorded at all, but have been retained in 
the memory of those who were intimate with him, and who 
were interested in his proceedings, as well as impressed by 
his individuality. 

At the beginning of the year 1844 he was a widower, 
living on his farm at Richland, while his infant daughter 
was tenderly cared for by his mother and sisters, at their 
home in Philadelphia. 

In the autumn of this year he was married to Susanna 
Morris Mather, of Whitpain, Montgomery County, Pa., a 
member of Gwynedd Monthly Meeting. Her parents were 
Charles and Jane (Roberts) Mather, and her great-great- 
grandmother, for whom she was named, was Susanna Mor- 
ris, an eminent minister in the Society of Friends. 



MATURE MANHOOD. 155 

With the approbation of the Monthly Meeting, her mar- 
riage was accomplished at the house of Jane Mather, who 
was a widow and a chronic invalid, being so disabled by 
rheumatism that she could not get to the meeting-house, 
and hence had not been present at the marriages of two of 
her daughters. But as the Discipline had been altered, Su- 
sanna could be married at home, an arrangement that was 
very satisfactory to both mother and daughter, as well as to 
the company assembled on the occasion. The Mather 
homestead came from their Roberts' ancestors, and it has 
been in the family for several generations. The home- 
name of the place is " Woodlawn," and the house stands 
on a part of the Roberts tract, which is now almost in- 
cluded in the flourishing settlement of Penllyn. 

By this marriage Samuel became a double brother-in-law 
to Benjamin G. Foulke, and between the two there was a 
bond of brotherhood which only death could sever. A few 
years later Benjamin became an elder by appointment — for 
he was already one by qualification — and the two wer^ in 
close sympathy in their religious exercises as well as in fra- 
ternal aftection. 

Samuel took his wife to " Spring Lawn," his Richland 
home, where they passed the first four years of their mar- 
ried life. That the union was a happy one need not be told 
to those who knew them, but if testimony were wanted to 
substantiate the fact, it could be found in fullness in the 
unpublished portions of the correspondence. 



156 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEYICK. 

At this time, though only twenty-five years of age, Sam- 
uel J. Levick was a recorded and very acceptable Gospel 
minister. Having so recently trodden the slippery paths of 
youth, and not merely encountered, but overcome, many 
temptations, he was well qualified to address the young, for 
he could appeal to them as one of them, could point out 
the dangers to v/hich they were exposed, and then, in a 
clear, cogent manner, direct them to the one way of escape, 
and to the terms by which they might obtain an entrance 
to the pathway of safety. After having thus presented the 
dangers and hardships of the bondage, and pointed to the 
means by which they might escape from it, he would, in 
gentle, persuasive tones, invite them to enter upon the path 
of peace, assuring them, from his own experience, that they 
would, in very deed, receive "beauty for ashes," and be 
ready to marvel that they had even hesitated before mak- 
ing the all-important choice. 

In mixed companies, such as assemble at funerals, he was 
often highly favored to warn, and if need be, to alarm, 
some, and then to close with a fitting application of the 
consolations of the Gospel. In the year 1848 he attended 
a large funeral at Plymouth, Pa. The deceased was a 
young man who had lived a circumspect life, and passed 
peacefully away. At th-e house Samuel sat with the family, 
and spoke to them in a very comforting manner, but at the 
meeting-house, to the assembled multitude, he had a mes- 
sage of alarm to deliver, and in giving it, it would seem as 



MATURE MANHOOD. 157 

if he had kept nothing back. On the following day (First- 
day) he attended a neighboring meeting, in which he was 
remarkably favored in explaining the position of the elder 
brother in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Thus, in less 
than twenty-four hours, were delivered three discourses, 
each totally different from the others, and all leaving so 
good a savor as to bear evidence of their origin, and to con- 
vince that each one was adapted to some spiritual state or 
states present when it was delivered. 

Being a full believer in the Friends' idea of a proper 
qualification for the ministry — that the minister must hand 
out to the assembled multitude, or to the individual in pri- 
vate, just what is given him to deliver; and that, to the 
strictly obedient, the time for the oflering, as well as the 
matter, will be made known — he had faith that be would 
be sustained in whatever he was called upon to do, though, 
to the eye of the natural man, the labor might appear ardu- 
ous and the obstacles in the pathway to its performance 
almost insurmountable. 

In the vear 1849, when on a relis^ious visit in Western 
I^ew York, he was at the house of his friend, Sunderland 
P. Gardner, when he felt an impression to walk out and 
meditate upon what might be required of him. Soon after, 
getting into an open field, he saw, at some distance, smoke 
arising from a ravine, and was impressed to go in the direc- 
tion of that smoke, although he saw neither habitation nor 
human being. On getting nearer to the ravine, he discov- 



158 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

ered that the smoke arose from a hovel, toward which he 
went, not knowing who inhabited it, nor why he should go. 
On arriving at the hut he knocked at the door, and when it 
was partly opened, inquired, " Who lives here V "Nobody 
but me and the cats," was the response that came from a 
gruff voice. The door was then closed against him, but he 
opened it and stepped in, when the occupant, who was a 
hermit, as Samuel afterwards learned, walked out and shut 
the door after him. Samuel followed him, and told him 
that he had come to see him and w^ould like to speak with 
him. " Who sent you here ?" was the only reply. Samuel 
told him that no one had sent him, nor did any one know 
of his coming. Again the misanthrope went into his dis- 
mal abode, and again was the door closed between him and 
his visitor. A person of weaker faith, or of less courage, 
would probably have given out at this point, feeling that he 
had done what he could. But not so with Samuel Levick. 
He again went in where he knew he was so unwelcome, 
and was confronted by the question " Didn't Gardner send 
you here?" The indications were very unfavorable for 
having a religious opportunity; for, in addition to the gene- 
ral appearance of squalor, a gun stood in the corner, and 
the hermit was so irascible that, when the tongs fell on the 
hearth, he swore violently. But Samuel was persevering, 
as well as persuasive, and at length the man appeared to 
believe him, and to accept for truth his statement, " No 
human being sent me here, and no one outside of this 



MATURE MANHOOD. l/)9 

house knows of my being here." Outward quiet being 
thus secured, the way was opened for Samuel to deliver a 
very solemn message. He told the desperate man that this 
would be his " last call," and warned him of the awful con- 
sequences of not heeding it. The listener soon calmed 
down, appeared serious, and was left in a quiet, if not a 
contrite, frame of mind. 

It was near nightfall when Samuel returned to join his 
friends in the social circle, and on telling them where he 
had been and what had been his experience, they were 
greatly surprised, as this hermit was considered one of the 
most dangerous men in that part of the country; so defiant 
that all the neighborhood stood in awe of him. 

That the visit was not without some good results was 
evident — as Samuel was afterwards informed — from the 
changed manner of this Iferetofore desperate man. 

This is only one instance, though a striking one, of the 
strength of that faith by which our friend was led into the 
by-waj^s of religious labor, and enabled to overcome all fear 
of consequences, so that; by child-like trust and unreasoning 
obedience, his religious habits were first formed, and then 
strengthened, until he became a young man, and a strong 
man, in the Master's service. 

In 1848, Samuel, with his family, left Spring Lawn, and 
moved to Philadelphia, where he joined his brother Wil- 
liam in mercantile business. As both of the brothers were 
faithful attendants of mid-week meetings, they thought it 



160 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

best to belong to different Monthly Meetings, so that no 
business engagements should prevent either from meeting 
for worship with the few that usually assembled for that 
purpose in the middle of the week. 

A few months later Samuel and his family moved to 
Camden, ^N". J., within the limits of Camden Preparative 
and Haddonfield Monthly Meeting, of which they soon 
after became members. 

By this removal they were brought into neighborship 
and close intimacy with that worthy elder, William Fol- 
well,* and the fellowship between elder and minister 
proved to be lasting as life. The disparity in their ages, 
instead of being a hindrance, seemed rather to be a further- 
ance to the close relationship which they mutually enjoyed. 

An extract from the minutes of Genesee Yearly Meeting, 
in 1849, shows that " Samuel ^. Levick, a minister, and 
William Folwell, an elder and companion of S. J. L., 
attended the meeting with minutes from Haddonfield 
Monthly Meeting, 'New Jersey." It would appear from 
some letters written by Samuel at the time, that they 
attended most, perhaps all, of the meetings composing 
Farmington and Scipio Quarters. 

During the summer of 1849 the cholera prevailed, both 
in Philadelphia and in Camden, and Samuel had his family 
removed to Woodlawn. They were favored to keep well, 

* His sister, Elizabeth Pitiield, was a favored minister, belonging to the 
North Meeting in Philadelphia. 




HE t. GUTEKUNST CO. 



MATURE MANHOOD. 161 

as was he himself, though he reraauied in the city, except 
over First-days. His letters at this time speak of the epi- 
demic, and his remarks on the subject indicate that, while 
seriously impressed, he was not needlessly alarmed, by the 
unusual mortality. 

In 1850 they again moved to Philadelphia, and became 
members of Cherry Street Meeting. One who was a con- 
stant attendant of the meeting at that time, well remembers 
the powerful communications of Samuel J. Levick in the 
large meetings for worship, also the earnestness and the zeal 
which he manifested while participating in the transaction 
of the business in Monthly Meetings. Though only thirty- 
one years of age, he was one of the most staunch, conserva- 
tive and interested members of that meeting and of Phila- 
delphia Quarter. Being strong in his convictions, he was 
earnest in manner, powerful in expression and influential 
with the concerned Friends. 

In 1857 he removed with his family to Quake rtown, 
where again they became members of Richland Monthly 
Meeting, and where they continued to reside for seventeen 
years. 

Here came the first household sorrow to himself and his 
present wife. Their youngest son, James J. Levick, Jr., 
died at the age of six years. The death occurred on a 
First-day morning, and when the struggle was over, the 
bereaved father felt that it would be right for him to attend 
his meeting. He did so, and was greatly favored in testi- 



162 LIEE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

moDj, SO that, probably, man}^ hearts were touched by this 
pathetic evidence of his fidelity to the promptings of duty. 

A few years later there was a break in the family circle, 
occasioned by a marriage. Samuel's oldest child and only 
daughter, Jane Foulke Levick, was married to Edwin A. 
Jackson, of E'ew York City. The marriage — wdth the ap- 
probation of the Monthly Meeting — took place at the house 
of her father, and soon afterwards she went with her husband 
to 'New York, where they have ever since resided. 

The family now consisted of Samuel and Susanna and 
their four sons, Lewis J., Charles M., Samuel J., Jr., and 
William M., Jr. 

Both of the parents being favorable to a liberal education 
and desirous to have the individual preferences of their 
sons carried out, it became a niatter for careful and delib- 
erate consideration to decide upon the institutions in which 
they should be placed to finish the scholastic part of their 
education. In view of these conditions, William finished 
at Friends' Central School in Philadelphia; Charles at 
Friends' Boarding School in Providence, R. I. (at which 
institution his brother Samuel was at one time a pupil) ; 
and Lewis and Samuel at Haverford College. The selec- 
tion of these institutions evinces not only good judgment 
on the part of the parents, but also the confidence they felt 
in the training given by Friends in both branches of the 
Society. 

On leaving school and college the sons all inclined to 



MATURE MANHOOD. 163 

business in the cit\% and, as the parents desired to have 
them at home, the family moved to Philadelphia in 1874, 
though for several years after, they continued to pass their 
summers at Quakertown. 

A second family bereavement was the death of the son 
Samuel, which occurred in 1880. He died at Quakertown, 
after a short illness, leaving a widow and three children. 
This unexpected and very sad event was a great blow to 
the parents, who were preparing to go on a religious visit 
to some of the meetings in the State of E'ew York. 

Though often called away from home on Truth's ac- 
count, Samuel did not' neglect his temporal concerns, but 
was " diligent in business," as well as " fervent in spirit." 
While the higher duties always took the precedence, the 
lower were by no means disregarded. 

During the period from 1861 to 1865 our country was 
passing through the ordeal of a " civil war." A man of 
Samuel Levick's keen intellect, quick perceptions and ar- 
dent temperament, must not be supposed to have been an 
idle spectator to the thrilling incidents of those eventful 
times, nor an indifferent reflector upon the effects which 
they were likely to produce. Some of his more cautious 
friends were disposed to remonstrate with him, when they 
heard of the interest that he was manifestino- in the strus:- 
gle ; but he loved his country, and he abhorred slavery. 
So he felt that the one should be preserved and the other 
destroyed, though, as a Friend and a humane man, he 



164 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

deplored the means employed, and greatly desired that 
the eiFusion of blood might be stayed. On this grave 
subject his expressions were as frank as his convictions 
were strong. It was near the beginning of the year 1862, 
when visiting at the house of a friend in ]^ew York, that 
he remarked (in substance) : " I felt, at the breaking out of 
this war, that it was the beginning of the end of American 
slavery." About one year after this remark was made, the 
Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. 

He was often in Washington, and he had personal inter- 
views with every President from Lincoln to Arthur. His 
admiration and esteem for Abraham Lincoln were very 
great, and between the two there seemed to be a bond of 
symjpathy, which was strengthened by the freedom of their 
intercourse. He had several interviews with the President 
and with Secretary Stanton, in reference to the attitude of 
Friends toward the administration, and to their peculiar 
position with regard to war and to slavery. 

Near the end of the year 1874 he was elected a member 
of the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society for 
the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and, in the year fol- 
lowing, he succeeded Prof. Pliny Earle Chase as Secretary 
of the Society. He filled this place during the remainder 
of his life, and the value of his services therein to the cause 
of humanity may be estimated by an examination of the 
Annual Reports for those ten years. His life, which had 
heretofore been active, now became a very busy one, for 



MATURE MANHOOD. 165 

not only was the time occupied, but his daily duties were 
fraught with grave responsibilities, the discharge of wliich 
required vigilance, courage, decision, prudence and — above 
all — conscientiousness. 

He had frequent opportunities to mingle with the humane 
men of his own and of other cities, to compare sentiments 
with them and to give them the benefit of his experi- 
ence connected with the great work in which he was so 
deeply interested. On the other hand, his duties not infre- 
quently brought him into near contact with some of the 
coarsest and most depraved men to be found outside of 
prison bars. When the mute appeals of the dumb creation 
demanded his intercession on their behalf he was fearless in 
the discharge of his duty, whether it required him to stop 
cruel or careless drivers on the street, to apph' the law to 
boys who were torturing cats, to visit the slaughter-house 
where needless suffering was inflicted, to spy out the dark 
dens where brutal sports were connected with gambling, 
or to appear before the courts and give testimon}- against 
those who had been caught in the meshes of the law and 
were undergoing trial for cruelty to animals. 

Great personal courage did it require on the part of this 
vigilant secretary to go to the cock-pit — as he did on one 
occasion — near midnight, taking with him officers for the 
arrest of the principals who had provided this cruel, as well 
as unlawful, entertainment. So skillfully was the affair 
planned and so fully was the plan carried out, that the men 



166 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

arrested were convicted and punished according to law, and 
about thirty fowls were captured and sent to the Alms- 
house.* 

To those unacquainted with the work done in and by 
this Society, it would be a matter of surprise to learn the 
number of complaints and arrests which are annually made 
in order to lessen the sufferings that are willfully, thought- 
lessly or needlessly inflicted upon the brute creation. 

The details of suffering in many of the cases investigated 
by the efficient officers of the Society are so realistic and so 
harrowing that we almost shrink from reading the account 
of them. We may state, in general, that suffering has been 
greatly mitigated, that the inflicters of it have, in many 
cases, been punished, that the law has become a terror to 
evil-doers, and that civilization has been advanced by the 
well-directed and untiring efforts of this Society. f 



* In one of the Keports of the Board of Managers, we find it stated that 
" The experience of those engaged in the cruel practice of dog and cock- 
fighting, owing to the numerous arrests made, followed by convictions and 
penalties, with loss of their stock from confiscation, which the law requires, 
has led the principals to extreme caution and secrecy." 

t The founder of this Commonwealth would probably have been sorely 
distressed if he could have foreseen that, in two hundred years from the time 
of his landing and making his treaty with the Indians, such brutal sports as 
cock-fighting and dog-fighting would be practised in his beloved Philadelphia, 
or that the cruelty and the avarice of man would require over-exertion of 
horses, or would inflict upon them sufiering caused by beating, or by ill-fitting 
harness; that cattle and swine would suffer from hunger and thirst while 
making long journeys in crowded cars ; that cats (and some of the lower 
orders of animals) would be subjected to torture in order that vicious men 
and boys might enjoy the brutal pleasure of seeing them suffer pain. On the 



MATURE MANHOOD. 167 

Id the autumn of 1877 "a call was issued by the Illinois 
Humane Society, inviting the different Societies on the 
continent for the Protection of Animals to send delegates, 
to meet at Cleveland, Ohio." Edmund Webster and Sam- 
uel J. Levick represented the Pennsylvania Society in the 
convention. This assembly resolved itself into an organiza- 
tion known as the International Humane Society, of which 
Samuel J. Levick, of Pennsylvania, was made Treasurer, 
also appointed one of the Advisory Council and one of the 
Committee on Legislation.* Holding these three official 
positions, he attended the second annual meeting, which 
was held in Baltimore. For the next six years annual 
meetings came in the following order : Chicago, Philadel- 
phia, Boston, Buftklo, Washington and Pittsburg. To all 
save one or two of these conventions, Samuel J. Levick 
was a delegate, representing the Pennsylvania Society. 

He was also one of the charter members of the Pennsyl- 
vania Society to Protect Children from Cruelty, incorpo- 
rated on " the 10th day of March, 1877," and, during the 



other hand, what interest (as we have good reason to believe) would Penn 
have taken in aiding a society formed for the express purpose of correcting 
these abuses. What hearty support would he have given to the worthy men 
of Philadelphia who have labored so faithfully in this cause. It is probable 
that no humane work ever accomplished or attempted in this city would have 
been more in accordance with his wishes, or more heartily sanctioned by his 
approval, than that carried on by the Pennsylvania Society for the Preven- 
tion of Cruelty to Animals. 

* Edwin Lee Brown, of Illinois, was chosen President ; Abraham Frith, of 
Massachusetts, Secretary ; and George T. Angell, of Massachusetts, one of the 
Advisory Council. Henry Bergh, of New York, and Coleman Sellers, of 
Pennsylvania, were among the Vice Presidents. 



168 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

remainder of his life, he was one of the Board of Managers 
of this society. " He manifested an abiding interest in the 
purpose for which it had been organized, being seldom 
absent from the meetings, and taking an active part in the 
debates. His voice was ever raised to protect the suffering 
child and to shield it from the hard hand of its cruel master." 
It may be said that he was one of the pioneers in^the 
movement which resulted in the formation of this societ}-. 
His friend, John D. Wright, who was an active worker in 
the one in 'New York, was visiting in Philadelphia, when 
he and Samuel had some conversation on the benefits to be 
derived from the existence of such societies, especially in 
large cities. The conversation resulted in calling a meet- 
ing in Friends' Meeting-house on Race Street. This meet- 
ing, of which Samuel J. Levick was chairman and John D. 
Wright one of the speakers, was held on the twenty-first of 
Mnth Month, 1876. It was followed by one, a week later, 
in a hall on Chestnut Street, which was the forerunner of a 
series of meetings that led up to the permanent organiza- 
tion of the society, of which Ex-Mayor Daniel M. Fox was 
made President and Benjamin J. Crew, Secretary.* 



* This Society, as may be seen by a reference to its reports, has done a 
vast amount of good by interference and protection in cases of cruelty prac- 
tised upon helpless children ; but what it has accomplished negatively, or by 
intimidation, can neither be recorded nor estimated ; for the knowledge that 
such an organization exists is a source of terror to those who could not be 
reached by moral suasion, or tendered by the piteous cries of their own off- 
spring, but who regard the agents of the Society as the custodians of a rod for 
punishment, which is ready for application whenever the law shall be vio- 
lated in the treatment of children. 



MATURE MANHOOD. 169 

Being strongly attached to his native city, his native 
State and his worth 3^ ancestors, who were among the early 
settlers, also having a profound respect for the memory of 
William Penn, Samuel J. Levick took an active interest in 
the Pennsylvania Bi-Centennial Association, and, at the 
request of its President, Edward C. Knight, was made one 
of the Executive Committee. His wonted energy was 
given to the work devolving upon him in this position, and 
his ability and efficiency were appreciated by the other 
members of the committee, as well as by the President.* 

He manifested a lively interest in the public schools, and 
in every agency which he thought would promote the wel- 
fare and increase the happiness of those who were in the 
morning of life. While his own children were carefully 
educated in institutions conducted by Friends, he was not 
indifferent to the needs of the many who were receiving 



* [The following note is taken from a pamphlet entitled " Pennsylvania's 
Bi-Centennial," which has kindly been furnished by one of the members of 
that Association. — Ed.] 

" The Bi-Centennial Association of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania," 
whose purpose is to secure a proper commemoration of the Two-Hundredth 
Anniversary of the founding of the City of Philadelphia and the Common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania by William Penn, was chartered by the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas of the County of Philadelphia, on January 29th, 1881, and is 
officered as follows : 

Pbesident— Edward C. Knight. 

Vice Presidents.— Hon. Henry D. Moore, Professor Franklin Taylor, Profesor 

E. D. Cope, James C. Tliompson, and Clayton McMlchael. 
Treasurer.— J. Thomas Stavely. 
Recording Secretary.— Charles W. Alexander. 
Corresponding Secretary.— Clifford P. MacCalla. 
General Manager.— Alexander P. Colesberry. 

11 



170 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

instruction in the excellent public schools of his native city. 
Indeed, he was an earnest advocate for the " common 
school" system, which he regarded as essential for the edu- 
cation of those who were soon to become American citizens, 
but whose environment, without this powerful auxiliary, 
might be such as to foster ignorance and vice in the days 
of their youth, to be followed by idleness, criminality and 
defiance of law, in the prime of their manhood. For this 
class he regarded the public school as invaluable. 

While thus interested in schools for training, and in 
societies for protecting the youth, he never lost sight of the 
very great importance of having them reared in a well- 
ordered home. With his usual candor, he was free to ex- 
press his opinion as to the delinquency of those occupying 
the responsible station of parents, who neglected their chil- 
dren, or who left them to be cared for by hirelings. Or- 
ganized beneficence he thought highly commendable, but 
those who engage in it should look at home first. Children 
should receive from their parents a fall measure of loving 
sympathy, and such advice as would enable them to find 
the pathway of uprightness and to walk steadily therein ; 
while, in return, they should render filial afi'ection and 
unquestioning obedience to those whom Providence has 
placed over them as caretakers. 

Such were the sentiments of Samuel J. Levick, as ex- 
pressed in public discourses and in private conversation, 
on the mutual obligations of parents and children ; and he 



MATURE MANHOOD. 171 

believed that, as these were fulfilled, thej would prepare 
the way in the youthful mind for the reception of the 
higher law which, by the work of grace, would, in due 
time, be revealed to it. "First the blade, then the ear, 
after that the full corn in the ear," was a text that he often 
quoted and fittingly applied to early religious experience. 

It is a source of regret that we have not more from his 
pen during the later years of his life, but his mission then 
seemed to be to mingle with the people and to do what 
good he could in his daily walk among men, in social con- 
verse, in private interviews and in public discourses. Those 
who w^ere privileged to sit under his ministry at the time 
referred to, can testify that he was much favored in the 
exercise of his gift, so that large assemblies were often sol- 
emnized thereby, as was evident from the stillness that 
prevailed after he had taken his seat. 

He seemed to ,be especially favored in his communica- 
tions delivered in Hace Street Meeting on Fourth-days, 
when several hundred school children were present and 
were attentive listeners to his exhortations. The older 
ones often spoke of these interesting sermons, and some 
who are now in the meridian of life still recur, with feel- 
ings of satisfaction, to the impressions made* upon their 
minds in those weekly gatherings. A very considerable 
number of the pupils were not Friends, but were the chil- 
dren of parents belonging to other religious denominations, 
and were accustomed to 2:0 to the " Sabbath School" con- 



172 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

nected with the church which their parents attended ; but 
the discourses of Samuel J. Levick were as well adapted to 
these young people as they were to the Friends. Being 
catholic in spirit, non-sectarian in sentiment, sympathetic 
with the young, apt in illustration and free in expression, 
he seemed to be an instrument well qualified to proclaim a 
Gospel message in these mixed but interesting assemblies. 

In Meetings for Discipline he manifested an abiding in- 
terest in the subjects that came before them, and when he 
expressed a sentiment therein, it was usually given with an 
earnestness that carried with it the weight of his ow^n con- 
viction. " Speak unto . . Israel that they go forward." 
" Ye have encompassed this mountain long enough," was 
with him a sentiment, an exhortation and a rule of action. 

Of his last illness there is not much to be said, except 
that it found him prepared for the solemn change. He had 
settled his outward affairs to the best of his ability, and his 
inward accounts had been balanced day by day on his jour- 
ney through life, from the time of his full convincement 
that his will was not his own. He did not forget the day of 
his espousal, when he had offered up his young heart — a 
full surrender — on the altar of obedience to manifested 
duty. Then, after passing through deep waters, he experi- 
enced just what it meant to have his feet placed upon the 
rock, even that rock which no storms can shake, no earth- 
quakes overthrow. 

On the eleventh of Fourth Month, 1885, he awoke in the 



MATURE MANHOOD. 178 

morning, feeling not so well as usual, and very thoughtful 
as to his ability to attend a funeral in the country. But in 
this, as in other cases in which relio^ious service was in- 
volved, he had only to consult the Oracle — laying aside 
human reason and surrendering his own will — which he 
did, and found that it would be right for him to go. In 
the evening he came home, fatigued in body, but having no 
doubt that he had been in his place that day. ^ext morn- 
ing he felt excused from going to meeting (it was First- 
day), and rested quietly at home. On Second and Third- 
daj^s he went, as usual, to the office of the society of which 
he was secretary, and on Third-day evening he left it for 
the last time. During the remaining ^ve days he had seve- 
ral attacks of oppression, which seemed to indicate that the 
end was not far distant and that it might come suddenly. 
His brother, who attended him professionally, sought to 
relieve the oppression, though he knew that his treatment 
of the case could be only palliative — there was no hope of 
cure. 

On Seventh-day, the 18th, Samuel took an opportunity 
with his wife, to tell her that he had settled his outward 
affairs, that it seemed to him as if his work was done, and 
that he felt very peaceful. Having thus informed her that 
he was aware of his situation, and perceiving that she was 
much overcome, he did not press the matter farther, but 
seemed to be as cheerful afterwards as he had been all 
through his illness. That night, for the first time, he was 



174 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

unable to lie down; but on First-day morning he was so 
much more comfortable that he remarked, "1 feel well 
enough to go to meeting." 

Between the spells of oppression he did not suffer much 
— at least did not manifest suffering — but mingled with his 
family in his usual bright and cheerful way. His daughter 
and her husband were visiting at his house, having come 
from ^ew York before he was taken ill, and were with him 
during the last week of his life. By a remarkable coinci- 
dence they were the only persons present when he passed 
away. 

On First-day evening he went to the tea-table with his 
family, and mingled pleasantly with them during the meal. 
On returning to the sitting-room, he thought that a little 
exercise might be beneficial, so he walked several times 
across the room, supported on the arm of his wife. The 
doctor came in, and told him that he wa« better, to which 
he readily assented, and then directions were given as to 
what should be done in case of a recurrence of the oppres- 
sion. His wife, soon after the doctor's departure, went into 
another room to prepare the medicine which might be 
needed during the night. His son Charles had gone away 
a short distance, and his children, Edwin and Jarie Jackson, 
were sitting by him when they observed the change. Jane 
quickly called her mother, who hastened to return, but only 
to find that all was over. There had been no spasm, no 



MATURE MANHOOD. *175 

strusrofle. He died in his chair, and his countenance wore 
an expression approaching a smile. 

"How many fall as sudden, not as safe." 

His death occurred at his residence, in West Philadel- 
phia, on First-daj, the nineteenth of Fourth Month, 1885. 
If he had lived four months and eleven days longer, he 
would have been sixty-six years old. The funeral took 
place on the foUow^ing Fourth-day, at Merion Friends' 
Meeting-house, and the large number that assembled to 
pay their tribute of respect to the departed, gave evidence 
of the esteem in which he was held. Manj- were there who 
lamented the loss of an eminently useful citizen, while, in 
the Society of Friends, it was felt that a prince in Israel 
had fallen. 

In the ministry, both branches of Friends were represented 
on the occasion, and the testimonies borne made a solemn 
impression upon the large assembly. 

The interment took place in the ground adjacent to the 
meeting-house, where a number of his worthy ancestors had 
been buried. 

As the company were dispersing, a relative privately 
quoted the text, "And they buried him . . . among 
the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward 
God and toward his house." 

The mature life of Samuel J. Levick came to a sudden — 
it would seem irreverent to call it untimely — close; and 
though lacking but a few years of the allotted period^ he had 



176 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LBVICK. 

neither the appearance nor the manner of an old man, but 
retained a freshness and vivacity that seemed hke perennial 
youth; so that, in the absence of dates, the observing 
stranger who met him on the street, the friend who en- 
gaged him in conversation, or the many who listened to his 
public discourses, would not have been surprised to hear 
him say of himself: 

"I stand on life's meridian height." 

The few days of his isolation from his many friends had 
not prepared them to part with him, or to regard as an in- 
valid one who had been so active and so sprightly; hence, 
when they call up to view his beaming countenance and 
remember his strong personality, they think of him not as 
of one worn out in the service of life, but quietly released 
from his labors to receive the reward of '' Well done." 



CHAPTEE YI. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 

No Date. 

To M. G. 

Dear Friend: — After an evening passed in free and 
open converse on the nature of Truth, and on its work- 
ings, I feel free to write to thee that thou may know that I, 
Samuel J. Levick, do not feel that any good thing is of 
me, or that I have power to do or to think any good thing. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 177 

But I do know that it has pleased the Almighty God to 
give unto me a life which is not natural, and, therefore, not 
visible, which is of his ow^n right-hand planting, and which, 
having come from Him, is pure, for He is pure. And, 
being of Him who hath all power, it — the life — has power 
over all other lives, over the life of sin, over all the powers 
of darkness. He, the Author of this life, is also the Pre- 
server of it, for He keeps it and feeds it, and no man is able 
to pluck it out of my Heavenly Father's hand. N^ow, the 
world has not this life, neither has thou come to it hi 
knowledge, or thou would know it to keep thee, as I have 
known, and do know it, to keep me. But I have travailed 
with thee in great tenderness and love, and my spirit has 
been dipped into feeling with thine, believing that it is the 
will of heaven to give thee to know of this life ; also, that 
thou art loved of the Lord, and by me in this life ; and my 
spirit travails with thee that this life may be brought forth 
in thee. Oh, then thou wilt witness the vail of the temple 
to be rent, and the everlasting covenant of life to be given 
— a covenant that cannot be broken ! The law will be writ- 
ten in the heart, and the Word will be nigh, in the heart 
and in the mouth. The old heaven and the old earth will 
pass away, and a new heaven will be opened where Christ 
sitteth, where his glory and power will cover thee, where 
thou will rest in the enjoyment of his glorious presence. 
Oh, that thou may '' press toward the mark for the prize of 
the hisfh callins^ of God in Christ Jesus!" 



178 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

^o\v, the fear that rests with thee, as to the danger of 
the state alluded to, is groundless; for "pride goeth before 
destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Bat they 
who are in the redeemed state, having parted with all their 
possessions, all of self, have nothing to be proud of. They are 
poor, having nothing of their own. This poverty is neces- 
sary to the receiving of the precious gift, and those who are 
not poor in spirit cannot have it bestowed upon them It is 
only the poor in spirit that are to possess the kingdom of 
heaven. 

Now, this stripping which we are called to undergo, is 
that which brings us under trial; for it is hard to give up 
all, to lay all our crowns at his feet. But such are the 
terms. There is no other way. After having made the 
surrender, we find that He gives " beauty for ashes, the oil 
of joy for mourning, and for a spirit of heaviness the gar- 
ment of praise." Those who are thus clad, thus endowed, 
are prepared to " mount up with wings as eagles," to " run 
and not be weary," to '' walk and not faint." 

I have felt it was right that I held up the excellency of 
this gift before thee and you, that you may all be encour- 
aged to seek Christ, our Holy Redeemer, and receive Him 
in the way of his coming. There is, in the blessed Truth, 
a reality that is worth parting with all to receive. Oh, 
the rest, the peace, that is experienced when the true Sab- 
bath-day dawns ; that day which is blessed and sanctified of 
God, and to be kept holy unto the Lord. Be not anxious. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 179 

Marj seated herself when she knew that the Lord was com- 
ing, and waited until He called for her. As soon as she 
heard that He had called for her, "she arose quickly, and 
came unto Him." iTow, this is the duty. To go out and 
meet Him when He calls for us. 

Without knowing thee in person, I have felt with thee in 
our religious meetings, and I feel drawn in freedom, which 
the love of God gives, to go and visit thee, feeling that thy 
spirit is tender. 

In much nearness I am thy well-wisher in the Truth of 
God, Samuel J. Levick. 

No Date. 

To J. B. C. 

Esteemed Friend: — Thy communication of the twenty- 
lirst instant came to hand yesterday, and I am glad that, 
thou felt at liberty to address me. It is my hope that I 
may always be willing to receive inquiries, and, if able, to 
furnish any information that may tend to enlighten the 
minds of my fellows-men, to be as free to impart it as I am 
to be instructed by them. 

Thou art one of a class of our members that I feel sym- 
pathy with, believing them to be honest in their inquiries, 
and desirous to be found doing that which they believe to 
be right. Thou art zealous in thy endeavors to promote 
those works which have for their object the increase and 
the spread of righteousness and peace. I can heartily sym- 
pathize witli thee and with those who are like-minded, and 



180 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

can understand your feelings; for it has been with me as 
thou has inferred, that I have stood as one of the active in 
the Avorks of anti-slavery and non-resistance, and have been 
joined with others for the promotion of them. I have even 
seen the day wheu I felt that I could not, by an act of 
my own, acknoidedge fellowship with the Society of Friends, 
but that I must stand aloof from them, because of their 
(as I then thought) apparent apathy toward these reforms. 
But it is meet that I should come directly to. thy queries, 
and answer them as I now view the situation. Thou art 
" desirous to know" my " opinion respecting the position of 
the Society of Friends at the present time, and the course 
to be pursued by those who feel it their duty to act in some 
more efficient way than, it seems to many, the Society is 
now doing." 

I presume thou desires to know my opinion respecting 
the position of the Society of Friends in relation to the 
subjects of anti-slavery and peace. In reply, I will state 
that I believe, as a body^ as a whole, there is in the Society a 
strong, an increasing feeling on these subjects, a feeling 
that will enable it — as light and ability are furnished — to 
bear to the nations of the world a testimony against the 
great evils of war and slavery. But, while I believe this to 
be the case with the Society, as a body, I do painfully ac- 
knowledge that there are, even among those who appear 
active, evidences of a want of a living concern for the testi- 
monies that we are professing to bear. If we believe, as I 



CORRESPONDENCE. 181 

do, that the Spirit of Truth dwells in the heart of the true 
Friend (let me he understood), and that those who dwell in 
the light and are led by the Spirit of Truth are the true 
Friends; then we must admit that these, and these only, 
who are guided by this light, constitute the Society of 
Friends. And, as this Spirit will lead and guide into all 
Truth, it gives to every possessor of it a testimony to bear 
in accordance with itself. Those who are not guided by 
the Spirit of Truth are not in unity with the Society, 
though they may claim a right of membership. Yet the 
living members feel no unity with their conduct; no more 
than they feel with that of the living members. These 
nominal members, who are ready to work Avithout any in- 
ward call, are generally known for their much-speaking, 
and they would make it appear that they speak the mind of 
the body. 

The distinguishing principle of the Society of Friends is, 
that the Spirit of Truth is given to man for a director, and 
that, if we are the children of God, we will walk by this 
Spirit, and know it to be the governor of our lives in all 
our movements. When we come to be thus governed, we 
shall find that all that is good in us will be strengthened, 
and we shall be neither barren nor unfruitful, but " always 
abounding in the work of the Lord." I have coniidence to 
believe that this Spirit is the governor of very many within 
our pale, and with these I have unity. These, being living 
members, cannot be dead to the cause of suffering human- 



182 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

itv, or to any other cause which keeps the Truth in bondage 
to the spirit of anti-Christ. There are but two spirits 
in the world — one is of Christ, the other of anti-Christ. 
War, slavery, self-sufficiency, pride, vanity, intemperance, 
licentiousness, etc., are not causes, but effects^ of the spirit of 
anti-Christ on the mind. In this, I trust, we can all unite. 
And, such being the case, we must admit that they can be 
overcome by the Spirit of Christ, and only by this. We 
must have Christ in us, and He must be our director in the 
work. We must, therefore, perceive that all that is in us 
that opposes his kingdom being established, must be re- 
moved, or we must, at least, be in such a state as to desire 
its rem.oval. This, as I believe, is the ground upon which 
the Society of Friends has stood from its first rise, and upon 
which it now stands. The means that the Spirit of Christ 
uses to perform the work of reformation are different from 
those used by man, who engages in the work, " regardless 
of superior strength, and vainly trusts his own." If we are 
laboring without the Spirit of Christ, we are under the 
influence of the spirit of anti-Christ. But miark — I do not 
say that those who are co-laboring with those who are not 
Friends, are acting against Christ. No; I make no such 
charge against them, but would have them query whether 
or not the actions of the organizations in which they are 
working are after the Spirit of Christ. Individuals may be 
innocent, but is the basis of the organization laid on the 
alone sure foundation ? Do they acknowledge that the im- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 183 

mediate revelation of Christ's will to us shall be our alone 
motive to action, or are they based on a very diflerent 
foundation, viz: That man's knowledge of the evils of 
war, slavery and intemperance is a sufficient reason for his 
crying against them ? They speak of doing the work of 
Christ, of endeavoring to hasten the day when Christ's 
government shall be established, when the sword shall be 
beaten into a plow-share, and the spear into a pruning- 
hook, and men and nations shall learn war no more. But 
all this good work is to be done without the assistance of 
Christ; for many, very many, who compose these reform 
societies, and whose sentiments give a bearing to their 
course of procedure, jpositively deny that Christ's Spirit does 
teach the people immediately. How, therefore, can the 
true Friend unite with these, while he believes that, to per- 
form any work for Christ, it must be done with the aid of 
his Spirit ? 

It was not until I saw things in this light that I could 
understand why I should not unite, or continue united, 
with those who do not acknowledge the necessity of having 
the aid of the Spirit of Christ, in order to promote the 
works of righteousness. I may say that I never felt con- 
demnation for what I had done, for I felt that I had done 
my duty, according to the light then given me. But it was not 
while I was working with the societies that I saw things 
thus ; and when I felt it my duty to be more quiet, there was 
no reason shown me why I should be so. But in time it 



184 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

was made apparent, and I now feel I can do all that is 
required of me as a member of the Society of Friends, 
without being connected with any outside body that has 
been organized to promote reforms. 

And, my friend, I believe, as thou has thy mind gathered 
more into a state of silent waiting, thou will be brought to 
see that it is not the amount of labor we perform that is 
acceptable, but obedience to the Divine command in all that we 
do. Then thine eye will be opened to see that there is 
room and opportunity in thy own Society for thee to per- 
form whatever services thy Almighty Parent is requiring at 
thy hand. As thou art obedient to his requirements, He 
may perhaps enable thee to open the eyes of others, even 
those who are now lukewarm, to see the importance of a 
more faithful observance of our testimonies. Well do I 
remember my feelings in the days of my great zeal in the 
anti-slavery cause. I looked upon the Society of Friends, 
and felt chilled on beholding the apathy of so many of its 
members, while I stumbled at the inconsistencies of many 
more. Some seemed to be swallowed up in political strife, 
some in the spirit of the Avorld, and some who were almost 
willing to unite with the slave-holder for purposes of 
gain. The query in my mind was, How can I unite with 
these ? Well do I remember the reply that came to this 
quer}^ Are there not those in the Society with whom thou 
art united? Are not the principles of this people thy prin- 
ciples ? And, if not among these, where can thou find an}- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 185 

people with whom thou can unite ? Thou art not called to 
unite with those who are stifling the Divine principle by 
their worldly-mindedness, nor yet with those who are seek- 
ing to tear down anti-Christ by their own strength^ in the 
activity of the creature; but to the Society of Friends, 
to the true seed, to those who are following the Lamb 
whithersoever He leadeth. Since this view was opened to 
me, I have found that there is life in the Society of Friends, 
in the body, and I have labored, as ability has been given, 
for the establishment of Christ's kingdom in the hearts of 
the children of men, and I now feel willing to go whereso- 
ever the Master may send me, for the purpose of doing his 
will. But I should fear to go without his commission, lest 
my labor be fruitless, and, peradventure, myself perish in 
the attempt. 

I well know the nature of the human heart when w^armed 
with sympathy for the oppressed and afflicted, and the 
natural disposition to censure those who may not feel as we 
feel. Oh, let us beware of this untempered zeal ! I well 
remember how I felt toward many of those who were 
fathers in the Truth. I judged them as being pro-slavery, 
because they did not think as I thought. Yet, on a more 
intimate acquaintance with them, I found that they were 
alive to the subject, but were not at liberty to do as I did. 

I am, very truly, thy friend, Samuel J. Levick. 



12 



186 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 



1844. 



Dear G.: — Thou art nearly attached unto me in the 
love of the Gospel of Christ, which has breathed into my 
spirit a living desire for thy salvation and thy correct walk- 
ing. I feel solicitous for thee, that thou may lay aside all 
feelings of jealousy or party supremacy, and that the eter- 
nal law of God may be thy only guide. Before this can 
take place, thou must cease to confer with flesh and blood, 
must lay aside those feelings which belong to the creature, 
and must abide under the revealed will of thy Heavenly 
Father. He hath, if I mistake not, opened thy eye to see 
into his kingdom, but thou has not yet left off looking 
with thy other eye upon the earth. Hence it is, that thou 
art stumbling over the forms, the doctrines, the beliefs of 
man. Thou art accepting as doctrine the commandments of 
men, from which both eye and ear should be turned, so that 
the Lord of Hosts may be thy director, thy counselor, thy 
judge. Behold how it was with the child, Jesus, when 
questioned, reprovingly, for having left his parents. His 
only explanation was the query, ^' Wist ye not that I must 
be about my Father's business ?" Oh, this is what ive must 
do ! I care not what be the course, whether it be this name 
to religion, or that name, or whether it be to be alone, 
only so that we are about the "Father's business." This 
business will not be to preach for doctrines the command- 
ments of men, but by his holy Spirit He will give thee to 
see that humble obedience to his manifestations, regardless 



CORRESPONDENCE. 187 

of tlie praise or censure of men, will be thy lot. Then will 
thou behold that He is not a Jew that is one outwardly, 
that circumcision or uncircumcision profiteth nothing, but 
a new creature. Then will all things become new, and all of 
God. Thy views will be changed, education will give place 
to revelation, thou will be qualified — whether required or 
not — to give " a reason for the hope that is in thee," for 
thou will find that the mysteries which godliness presents 
to thy mind will vanish as the morning dew before the sun. 
Art thou not, my brother, conferring too much with flesh 
and blood ; looking with that eye that is on the earth ? Oh, 
what a concern I feel on this account, for I believe the Lord 
would call thee into his work and service, if thou would 
look only to Him with the single eye of faith, and not 
regard apparent consequences ! I know th}^ difficulties, for 
I have passed measurably through the same dispensation. 

Oh, G , my spirit has been thus baptized when there 

was none to comfort, save One! But oh, blessed Com- 
forter, He would come, and pour the oil and the wine into 
my wounded spirit ! Wounded, not by an enemy, but by 
those most beloved, and hence the keener and harder to 
bear. But oh, thrice and forever blessed be his name, 
by humbly submitting, hard things were made easy and 
crooked things were made straight ! Added to these trials, 
was my own exercise of spirit at that time, in regard to 
other things, and the load was about as heavy as my poor 
body could well bear. I grew pale and thin. Anothvcr 



188 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

sacrifice was now called for. I must leave my home, with 
all its ties, and go among strangers ; must forsake my for- 
mer associations, my friends and my business prospects — 
and these were not mean ; must leave my father in the 
decline of his life, when my assistance would have been 
especially valuable to him. I, the eldest of their six chil- 
dren, must leave my father and my mother, and find a 
home elsewhere. This w^as a proving dispensation, but 
thanks be unto my Holy Sustainer, He was my strength 
and ray support. He comforted me, He fed me. And 
when it was accomplished, when the hour came, and I w^as 
separated, the sweet reward that I had ; words cannot ex- 
press, nor language convey my feelings. Such has been 
my experience. The reward for this surrender is being 
more and more felt, and I trust this will not be the end of 
my labors, for my friends now see that there is a reality in 
the religion that I profess. 

My brother, I do not advise thee to go contrary to the 
wishes of thy parents or thy friends, but if the voice of thy 
God say go^ or say stay^ obey it; for in obedience thou will 
find peace. But, I beseech thee, go not back unto the beg- 
garly elements, and let not the language of Paul to the Ga- 
latians be applicable in thy case, " Having begun in the 
Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh ?" I want 
thee, my brother, to be a preacher of operative righteous- 
ness, an upholder of the simple Truths that Jesus taught, 
which are love, forgiveness, obedience, etc. It is not in cir- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 189 

cumcision, for the Apostle said to tliem that were circum- 
cised, '' Christ shall profit you nothing." I would have 
thee let these things alone, or, at least, until instructed as 
Peter was when the query was put to him, " Whom say ye 
that I, the Son of Man, am?" 

With loving interest, I am 

Thy friend, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Spring Lawn, First Month 23rd, 1844. 

To William M. Levick. 

Dear Brother : — I trust that, while life is ours to enjoy, 
the feeling of brotherly affection may never know an ebb- 
ing in either of our bosoms, and the most certain way 
whereby it may be preserved unimpaired and known to 
flow in a clear and un rippled current, is for us to make the 
Lord our God; to know Him to be the Governor of our 
thoughts, our actions and our lives. Then, although dis- 
tance may separate us, and the pathways of life which we 
tread be different, still will the fraternal affectiou remain 
unimpaired. 

We shall remember the days of our childhood, when all 
were canopied under our parents' roof, the seasons of enjoy- 
ment that we then experienced, the fond care and parental 
solicitude that were manifested for our welfare, and these 
memories will increase our desires to do all that we can to 
repay those tender and watchful guardians of our youth by 



190 LIFE or SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

walking in the fear of the Lord, by inclining our ear to 
his voice, and by loving each other. By pursuing such a 
course, with the blessing of a kind Providence, we shall 
cause the latter days of our parents to be peaceful, and, by 
adding to their happiness, increase our own. 

I can truly rejoice, and in my heart thank the God of 
our lives that thou art so comfortably settled in the married 

state I believe that an unseen Hand pointed 

out, that an invisible Power directed thy steps in that im- 
portant procedure, and hence arises the query, What shall 
I render unto the Lord for so many blessings? The answer 
is. The heart. Surrender the heart unto his keeping. If 
this be complied with, if He have the first place in both 
your hearts, you will be brought into the possession of all 
the enjoyment (worthy of that name) that this world can 
afford. Such happiness I crave for myself, and I desire it 
for you, for you hold a near place in my affections. 

I desire, particularly, that we may be preserved from, out 
of, and above the spirit of contention or strife concerning 
Divine things (a kind of strife with which the world of 
mankind is now filled), so that in quietness we shall experi- 
ence a being fed, day by day, with the heavenly manna, 
whereby our strength will be renewed and ability furnished 
us to journey forward toward the spiritual Canaan, the land 
'flowing with milk and honey. 

Thy brother, in much affection, 

Samuel J. Levick. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 191 

Salem, Ohio, Ninth Month 1st, 1845. 

3Iy Dear Wife : — Thou will perceive by the heading of 
my letter that I have arrived at the destined place. 

I am comfortably accommodated at the house of Joseph 
Ingram, whose wife was a Heacock, and came from our 
neighborhood. Elizabeth Haviland, from Poughkeepsie, is 
lodging here, also a friend named Atkinson, with some of 
his family, also several others. The house is full. The 
strangers in attendance at the Yearly Meeting are Samucl 
and Elizabeth Comfort, Joseph Horner, Sarah Brown, from 
Goose Creek, Va., and a Friend from Indiana. 

We left Pittsburg on Fifth-day, and proceeded to New^ 
Brighton, where we tarried over night with a Friend 
named John Pugh, and then came on to Columbiana, and 
stopped at the house of William Nicholas. On Seventh- 
day morning we came to Salem. 

Our Select Meeting was small, reports being received 
from only three out of the live Quarters. Those of us who 
are strangers here were dipped into exercise and sorrow of 
spirit. It appears chat they have not appointed any elders 
for some time past. The meeting was harmonious, and it 
closed comfortably. Yesterday being First-day, was the 
time for public meeting. It was held in the new house, 
which was crowded to excess, and very many had to remain 
outside. It pleased the Lord to open the mouths of his 
children to the declaring of the Ever-blessed Word. In the 
forenoon the labor seemed to devolve chieflv on one who 



192 LliE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

felt himself unfitted for the task. But — to the praise of 
Him who is ever worthy — ability was furnished for the 
work. The afternoon session was as large as that in the 
morning, and the labor was more divided, several of the 
Lord's devoted servants taking part. There was no mani- 
festation of unruly spirits, but all was quiet, and Truth rose 
into dominion. 

The weather is fine. On Seventh-day there was a slight 
shower, which laid the dust and cooled the air, but they 
had not had any rain of consequence since the early part of 
spring. Except a small sectiop of country among the 
mountains, we found it very dry all the way from Cham- 
bersburg to Salem. 

Stephen Foster and Abby Kelly are in the neighborhood, 
and it is expected that an effort will be made by some of 
the members here to get permission for them to hold meet- 
ings in Friends' meeting-house, between the sessions of the 
Yearly Meeting. There is a warm feeling here of a " re- 
form" character, but those of us who are strangers all speak 
the same language in relation to it, though very little 
has been said publicly on the subject. An earnest desire 
pervades my spirit that we may be preserved from all strife, 
and the hope that we may seems to be strengthened by the 
number of Friends who appear to be rightly concerned and 
who feel the necessity of being forbearing. 

Friends are very kind to us, and my way seems open. I 
have met with some who formerly lived in our neighbor- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 193 

hood, and they made many inquiries. Yesterday I met an 
old .acquaintance of father's and mine, who lives in Alle- 
gheny City, and who invited me to stop at his house on my 
return. I accepted the invitation, and expect to be there 
next First-day. His name is John Denning. Thee may 
direct thy letter to Pittsburg, as that and Allegheny are as 
one, being joined by bridges. 

I have met cousin Richard Roberts and his sons, wdio 
inquired concerning all of you. 

Divine strength and consolation have been meted out to 
me and have enabled me to feel myself comfortable in a 
land of strangers. Desiring the same for thee and for all of 
you, as w^ell as the preservation of your health, with the 
salutation of dear love to thee and our precious child, and 
to all my brothers, sisters, relatives and friends (for they 
all feel very near), I am thy husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Salem, O., Ninth Month 4th, 1845. 

My Dear Wife: — My heart overflowed with gratitude, and 
I was humbled in the renewed evidence, furnished by thy 
very acceptable letter, of the love and mercy of our Heav- 
enly Parent. That thou, with me, has been a partaker of 
his rich bounty, and been fed from his Heavenly table, is 
cause for increased faithfulness to every manifestation of his 
holy will. 

^ow, for a little account of how we have been proceeding. 



194 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

The Yearly Meeting is — for this place — very large. They 
hold but one session daily. On Second-day, after the pre- 
liminary business had been disposed of, the epistles were 
all read, and a committee was appointed to essay replies. 
Then the Clerk informed the meeting that there was, on the 
table, a communication addressed to the Yearly Meeting, 
from " Green Plain Quarterly Meeting of men Friends," 
signed also by a number of women Friends. The announce- 
ment called forth much expression. Several Friends stated 
that there was no such Quarterly Meeting ; others that the 
paper ought not to be read. Its advocates, on the contrary, 
claimed that it should he read ; that they wanted to see the 
issue, and so on. Much excitement prevailed, and it seemed 
to increase, until at length, I felt it to be my place to arise 
and make the proposition that the matter be referred to the 
representatives from the different Quarterly Meetings. This 
proposition was favorably received, and generally united 
with, and the meeting directed that action to be taken. So, 
for the time, the matter was settled. The representatives 
have not yet made their report to the meeting. 

IS'ear the close of Second-day's session, a request was made 

that , [an Anti-Slavery lecturer, not a Friend] 

might have the use of the meeting-house, between the ad- 
journments of the Yearly Meeting's sessions. The request 
was not granted. 

On Third-day morning the Representatives reported their 
nominations for Clerks ; presenting a new name for head 



CORRESPONDENCE. 195 

Clerk, and retaining the former assistant. This was not 
satisfactory to the discordant, or liberal element; but the 
appointments were made and the meeting settled down. 
The state of Society was then taken up, and we had a very 
comfortable session until just before the close, when a Friend 
arose and stated that he had been requested to ask this meet- 
ing whether could have the use of the house — 

in the evenings, when not occupied by Friends — to hold 
meetings in. This produced a w^arm time, and my very soul 
was pained by the conduct of some Friends, whose remarks 
produced lightness among the younger portion of the meet- 
ing. In the midst of this disorder it seemed to be my place 
to arise and call attention to the profession that Friends 
make of being a deliberative people, and to the claim that 
their Meetings for Discipline are deliberative bodies. My 
exercise seemed to quiet the raging storm. Samuel Comfort 
also labored amons^st them, and the meetino: calmed down 

under the decision not to grant the request for 's 

meetings. 

Fourth-day, Select Meeting convened at eight o'clock, A. 
M. It Avas a highly favored opportunity. On Fifth-day the 
session was pretty satisfactory ; Friends w^ere more calm, 
and the meeting was brought under exercise in relation to 
a more guarded education of the youth, so that a Commit- 
tee was appointed to draft an essay to be sent down to the 
subordinate meetings. The subject of slavery was intro- 
duced, and a Committee was appointed to give attention to 



196 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

it. It was very comforting to observe, during the consid- 
eration of this subject, that there was no agitation in the 
meeting; and I am encouraged to believe we shall yet be 
preserved. It would be sorrowfully lamentable if anything 
like a division should occur, and I know that Friends gen- 
erally are not desiring anything of the kind. There appears 
to be much freedom and very little acrimony among the 
members of this Yearly Meeting; but more conciliation 
would be desirable, and gathering into quietude is much 
needed. Those of us who are strangers among them, all 
breathe the same language. I have felt that I am in my 
place, and my earnest desire is that I may be preserved unto 
the end. 

I was very glad to hear that yoxx are getting on so com- 
fortably, and that thou art well. Be careful, and do not 
over-exert thyself. I have been well, except a slight cold, 
which is now better. Tell G. that I am pleased to learn 
that he has been so industrious, as well as kind and atten- 
tive, also all the rest of the family. The blessing of the Lord 
will rest on them. 

My heart was made glad on hearing that our cousin, S. 
A. Cernea, passed out of time with the bright promise ot 
the spirit land in view. Tell brother Benjamin that his 
letter was acceptable, and that his care for you during the 
time of my absence will be appreciated by Ilini who seeth 
in secret, and rewardeth openly. 

This moi'iiing we have pul)Uc meeting; the weather is 



CORRESPONDENCE. 11)7 

cloiuly witli the appearance of rain. And now, dearest 
wife, lioping tliat ere long we may l)e permitted to enjoy the 
society one of the other, and be more fitted to appreciate the 
favor by our faithftdness to our Master, with a heart full of 
love to thee and our daughter, also to sisters, brothers, rela- 
tives and friends, I am thy husband, in much affection, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

P. S. — Thee may inform father's of my whereabouts. 
This will probably be my last letter on this journey. A 
Friend named Nathan Pusey has offered me a seat in his 
carnage from here to Pittsburg. We expect to reach that 
city next First-day. S. J. L. 

Kennett Square, Pa., Tenth Month 7th, 1846. 

My Dear Wife: — Having this morning a few minutes to 
spare, I embrace the opportunity for writing to thee. With 
the exception of a slight cold that I have, we are quite well. 

After leaving thee we proceeded to Plymouth, met Joel 
Lare, obtained a carriage, and without much difiiculty in 
finding our way, arrived a httle after nightfall, at the house 
of our friend, I. How^ell, where we were kindly entertained. 
Next morning we proceeded to Westtown Boarding School, 
where we attended meeting to our satisfaction, and were 
kindly treated by all. After meeting we journeyed on our 
way till Ave came to the home of a Friend, named Abraham 
Darlington, and though not acquainted, we introduced our- 
selves, and were made very welcome. In the afternoon we 



198 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

passed on to Centre, and stopped at the house of Jesse and 
Alice Chandler, the latter being an approved minister in our 
Society. In the morning we attended Chester Monthl}' 
Meeting, which was not large, and I was led to open the 
necessity for more labor in the vineyard of their own hearts. 
We had a comfortable meeting, and returned to our lodgings 
to dine. John Chandler, whom we had met on First-day, 
came here to meet us, and to pilot us to his house, where we 
tarried over night, and next morning went to the Monthly 
Meeting, held at Kennett Square. It was pretty large, and 
might be larger, if only Friends were faithful. Evidences that 
love and unity do not sufficiently abound, were both felt and 
heard. I was led in a plain way among them, to the peace 
of my own mind. Our friend Joel is favored to move along 
in his gift, to our satisfaction, and to the people's edification. 
We dined at Jonathan Lamborn's, at the Square, and in the 
evening visited Samuel Martin's school for young women, 
where we had a very satisfactory religious opportunity. 
From the school we came to the house of James Phillips 
and wife, a newly married couple, at whose home we now 
are, and are kindly entertained. Thus far we have moved 
along, and have found the hand of the great Helper to be un- 
derneath, sustaining us, and enabling us to do the respective 
duties assigned us. May glory and honor be ascribed to 
the Lord forever and forevermore. 

M}' mind often turus to thee, my beloved wife, and to our 
little one, and I feel anxious to hear from you, as you were 



CORRESPONDENCE. 199 

both ailing when I left home. I hope you are now better, 
and I desire that the consolation of Israel may be thine, 
enabling thee to bear, with patience, my absence; and then, 
when I may be released, and permitted to return to the 
wife of m}^ bosom, we may enjoy each other in that love 
which is stronger than death. 

In much affection, thy husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Fallowfield, Pa., Tenth Month 10th, 1846. 

My Dear Wife: — Since last writing to thee we have been 
pursuing our journey among the Monthly Meetings of 
Western Quarter, and this da\^ closes our service in that 
line. Many and various have been the baptisms that it has 
been my lot to pass through, both in public and in pri- 
vate opportunities, and this day have the arrows been 
pointed and shot at me. But, dear wife, they have fallen 
harmless at my feet. To-day I sat mostly in silence, re- 
viving only a message that was sent to me several years 
ago by my friend, Henry W. Ridgway. It was that " a 
man cannot be a Quaker preacher and an anti-slavery lec- 
turer." I told Friends that I had, in my own case, discov- 
ered its truth ; that now, just as in former times, a minister 
could not say, act or move, only as he tarried at Jerusalem 
until endued with power from on high. 

We expect to attend meeting here to-morrow morning, 
and one at Doe Run in the afternoon ; on Second-day one 



200 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

at Oxford, and so on ; closing our labors among the subordi- 
nate meetings at Unionville, on First-day, one week from 
to-morrow, and then at the Quarter at London Grove on 
Second and Third-days. Gladly would I now return unto 
my family, did I not feel, in the bonds of the Gospel, yet re- 
strained. Great has been the weakness that doth abound, 
but the Lord has been our shield and buckler, and still con- 
tinues to be with us. Blessed be his adorable name. The 
close and heavy portion of the labor seems mostly to de- 
volve upon me, though much unity and harmony subsist 
between us as fellow-laborers. I refer to Joel and myself 
We have met with many precious Friends, who have been 

very kind to us. We passed one night at 's, I trust, 

to profit. 

We are now at Gideon Peirce's, and this letter will be 
mailed from Coatesville. Letters directed to me, in care of 
John Chandler, Kennett Square, Penna., if mailed by the 
middle of next week will be likely to be received. We are 
all well. Please give this information to Hannah Custard. 

I must close, with much love to all, holding a full share 
for thyself. You have had fine weather, and I suppose the 
farming operations are progressing favorably. 
In much affection, thy husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 201 

Centerville, Del., Tenth Month 15th, 1846. 

My Beloved Wife : — I received thy truly acceptable letter 
this morning, on my way to meeting, and was glad to learn 
that you were all well and were getting along pretty com- 
fortably. 

We have been moving around, and to-day attended Cen- 
ter Meeting, the place at which we began to visit the 
Monthly Meetings. To-morrow we expect to be at Ken- 
nett, Seventh-day at Marlborough, First-day at Unionville 
in the morning, and Kennett Square in the afternoon, 
Second and Third-days at the Quarter at London Grove, 
then Cain Quarter, and then home^ home. Should nothing 
unexpected occur, we shall go directly on from Cain Quar- 
ter, and so reach Quakertown on Sixth-day, to-morrow 
week. 

We still continue to receive our daily supply of heavenly 
food sufficient for all our wants ; and truly we have much 
need of it, for I have never been on a journey where more 
of suffering and exercise were my portion. But, blessed be 
the name of the great God ! He has been sufficient for 
every emergency. 

We have been very busy ever since we left home, in 
attending meetings and visiting families. Sometimes we 
have attended two meetings a day. Friends have been 
very kind to us, the weather mostly pleasant, and our 
health continues to be good. 

Last Third-day was a stormy one, and, after attending 
13 



202 LIFE or SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

meeting in the morning, we drove half a mile to a Friend's 
house, and remained there until the furj of the storm had 
abated. On starting out we found what havoc the wind 
had made. Trees were lying across the road, fences had 
been carried away, barns unroofed, sheds blown down, &c. 
Our meetings have been large, and the family minglings 
interesting. But, oh, it has been deeply trying to my best 
feelings to find how the enemy of souls has set up his king- 
dom in the hearts of many, leading them to believe that their 
own 'powers are sufficient for all things, their reason a compe- 
tent guide. I fear that this spirit is encouraged, this belief 
sustained by a spurious ministry. Oh, for the preservation 
of the flock ! I believe the Lord is working by his Spirit 
among this people, and that some of them will be brought 
to see through all this mystery, Babylon, and Avill be 
brought out of it. We have met with some precious chil- 
dren, with whom my heart has been dipped into near and 
dear sympathy, and I have desired their preservation. 
I am, in near aifection, thy husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Spking Lawn, Eleventh Month 4th, 1846. 

My Dear Friend^ T. B. L.: — A short time previous to 
my leaving home on a religious visit to the meetings com- 
posing Western Quarter, I received a letter from thee 
expressing pain that I had become satisfied with the " anti- 
Christian doctrines" of , as delivered at our last 



CORRESPONDENCE. 203 

Quarterly Meeting. I was gratified to perceive this feeling 
of care over me, for I am always glad to be reproved and 
counseled by thee or by any of my friends, as I deem it an 
evidence of their love." 

As regards my views, they have undergone no change 
lately on any particular point, and not any since our last 
Quarter, ^or have they been influenced by the sentiments 
expressed by , to whom thou alludes as having pro- 
mulgated " anti-Christian doctrines." 

I have views, and the origin of them in my mind, I be- 
lieve to have been from the light of Christ in my soul. 
When in Philadelphia, soon after our last Quarter, I met 
with a beloved friend, who asked me what I thought of 

the discourse of at the Quarterly Meeting and of the 

views that he had advanced. I told him I was satisfied, be- 
lieving there was nothing new in them. Now this is what I 
consider ?io^ new: That men might be Christians, or disci- 
ples of Christ, and yet not see it to be wrong in all cases to re- 
sist evil. I suppose thou would not be willing to say that no 
Friend was a Christian while the Society recognized the 
propriety of holding slaves or of assisting Friends to pur- 
chase rum to give unto their men during harvest. At least 
/ am not prepared to pronounce this anathema against all 
the worthies of that day. Doubtless slavery is maintained 
by the spirit of violence whose basis is the sword, and 
Friends, as they were faithful to the light of Truth, were 
led out of it. But until they saw it to be evil, it was not 



204 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

accounted to them for unrighteousness. While I think that 
they had not arrived at the perfection of the Christian char- 
acter, yet their fruits showed that they ^Y ere faithful through 
persecution, and that even unto death. So, as it is clear to 
my mind, we have no right to judge but that they filled up 
the measure of grace afforded them, and in the end sat 
down at the right hand of God. As I am unwilling to 
charge them with not being Christians (being obedient to 
what they knew), so, also, I am unwilling to mak.e the 
charge against those who, equally faithful to what they 
know, may not hesitate to defend themselves, their families 
and their firesides. 

These are my individual views, given to another individ- 
ual. As a minister of the Gospel, I have never felt called 
upon to give publicity to them. The character of the 
Truth is to lead those who follow it out of all strife, oppres- 
sion and contention, and into the experience of a growth 
from the state of a child unto that of a young man, and so 
on. Having by the love and mercy of God seen the peace- 
able and forgiving character of the Gospel, I feel it to be 
my duty by example — and sometimes by precept — to hold 
up to others its beauty and its non-resistant character. But 
if my brother knows it to be his dut}^ to give pub- 
licity to such views as thou alludes to in thy letter, he must 
be the judge. When I am asked for my opinion of these 
views in the abstract, and when I reply that I am satisfied, 
basing my satisfaction on the ground that, to me, they were 



CORRESPONDENCE. 205 

not new, am I to be charged with falling down and worship- 
ping at his shrine? I hope to be preserved from falling down 
at any man's shrine, or from worshipping any image or any 
particular view or doctrine that man may choose to declare 
or set up. And may I also be preserved from assuming the 
judgment seat, thus condemning and endeavoring to pull 
down any man or any doctrine, because, in my child-like 
state, I may not comprehend it. I know what I have to 
do, if I do right, and that is to sit as at the feet of the Mas- 
ter, there waiting to hear his voice and to know his mind 
and will concerning me, and, as it is made known, to be 
faithful in doing it. This faithfulness may require me to 
abide in silence in his courts, or to mingle with my breth- 
ren and invite, encourage and persuade them to come, taste 
and see. Sometimes ability may be furnished the poor in- 
strument to remove the film of education, superstition, 
ignorance or crime that may cloud the vision of some and 
prevent them from seeing the beauty and the excellency of 
holiness. 

I am satisfied that if the members of our Society would 
walk more in obedience to the in-shinings of that Light 
which shines in darkness, and the darkness comprehends it 
not, they would more and more become children of the 
Light, would move only under its heavenly influences, be 
satisfied with its teachings and have more confidence in its 
power. They would find it would furnish the means for 
pulling down all the strongholds of sin and Satan that 



208 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

abound. I believe there is need for the utterance of the 
call, "Come out of Babylon, my people!" We talk too 
much, we find fault too much, seeing others' faults more 
than we do our own, and, with the beam in our own eye, 
we go to work to pull the mote out of our brother's eye. I 
would that we had, like our Divine Master, confidence in 
the power of Israel's God. For if He had not had this 
confidence, the mighty works done through Him would 
never have taken place. It is only as self is humbled and 
prostrated that we can have confidence in Him, and power 
given by Him, for in the other state it is all in ourselves. 

If thou has objection to make against any of the views 
advanced in this letter, please make them as objections to 

my views, and not to those of , or of any other man. 

If it be his views thou does not like, let thy objection be 
made to him. 

I have endeavored to write a plain letter, expressing to 
thee my views and feelings, and I shall willingly receive 
from thy hand whatever thou may feel right to give to me. 

With a salutation of love to thyself and family, I remain 
thy friend, Samuel J. Levick. 

Canandaigua, N. Y., Sixth Month 8th, 1849. 

My Dear Wife: — We arrived at the house of our friend, 
William E. Burling, yesterday afternoon between four and 
five o'clock, having travelled four hundred and eighty miles 
in twenty-seven hours. The ride in the cars from Troy to 



% 

CORRESPONDENCE. 207 

Canandaigua was very dusty ; the rest of the journey com- 
fortable, and the sail up the North River was very enjoyable, 
as the moon shone brightly and the scenery is truly grand. 
On arriving at Amboy, and going aboard the boat, I met 
our friends, Elisha and Sarah Hunt, accompanied by their 
daughter, Matilda Underwood, and had their company dur- 
ing the remainder of the journey. We arrived in I^ew 
York between five and six p. m., and took the Troy boat at 
six. We had an hour and a half from the time of landing 
at Troy, until the cars left for Canandaigua at six a. m. I 
had slept well on the boat, having a quiet room to myself — 
and was prepared for the long ride of two hundred and 
thirty miles on the cars. IsTotwithstanding the dust, we had 
a pleasant time together. 

I feel much better than when I left home. I trust that 
the Shepherd of Israel may protect thee and our little ones, 
also that He will watch over me, make a way for me, cover 
me with the mantle of his love, and enable me to return 
w^ith the reward of peace. 

With much love to you all, I am thy absent husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Farmington, N. Y., Sixth Month 11th, 1849. 

To William M. Levick. 

Dear Brother William : — As I have time this afternoon, I 
thought I would embrace the opportunity to inform thee of 
our movements. On Fifth-day evening we arrived safely at 
the house of William E. Burling, who took us to meeting 




208 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LBVICK. 

on Seventh-day. We had an excellent Select Meeting. On 
First-day morning there was a ^reat gathering of the people. 
It was thought two thousand persons were in and around 
the house. We had a favored meeting; Truth reigned over 
all. In the afternoon we attended South Farmington, very 
much to our satisfaction. The stone seemed to be rolled 
away from the well's mouth, and the Spirit of the Lord 
poured foi'th. Elisha and Sarah Hunt were in company. 
This morning the business meeting opened very comfortably, 
and the prospect is that we shall have a good Yearly Meet- 
ing. We have none of the disorganizers present. They 
held a meeting last week. Two of the speakers who at- 
tended it are still in this part of the country, but not at 
our meeting. The only strangers present except E. and S. 
Hunt and ourselves, are Johnathan and Katie Hazzard, from 
Cornwall, E". Y. They are substantial Friends. Much love 
and unity seem to prevail among Friends here, thus strength- 
ening the belief that we shall have a good Yearly Meeting. 
I cannot see when I shall get home, but I now think it 
will be as soon as I feel clear of this people. We have been 
quite well since we left home, and I feel much better than I 
did at the time of starting. Friends are very kind, and we 
are making our home, in company with E. and S. Hunt, at 
Walter Lawrence's. This is a beautiful country, and Friends 
all seem to be well off, and to have an abundance of the 
outward comforts of life. On receipt of this, please write 
to me, and direct to Rochester, N. Y. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 209 

With much love to all of father's family, and my dear 
daughter, I remain, thy brother in much affection, 

Samuel J. Levick. 



Farmington, N. Y., Sixth Month 17th, 1849. 

My Beloved Wife: — First-day morning, before meeting. 
As a few moments are to spare, I thought it would be pleas- 
ant to hold a little communion with thee, with whom and 
toward whom, and our dear children, my heart yearns with 
tender affection. It is more than a week — yes, ten days — 
since we bade each other farewell, and I have not heard 
from thee since ; though I hope to receive a letter at meet- 
ing, this morning. 

We have both been very well, and our Divine Master has 
been with us, to our humbling admiration. The Yearly 
Meeting closed last Fifth-day, and throughout the several 
sittings nothing but love and unity marked the proceedings. 
May gratitude be ascribed to Him from whom all bless- 
ings flow. On Fourth-day afternoon we attended Macedon 
Meeting, which was a remarkably favored opportunity. 
The Gospel flowed freely, I trust to the watering of many 
minds. The Lord has been wonderfully pleased to be with 
me, and to turn the hearts of the people toward me, in that 
many have been reached. There seems to be a door open 
for the Holy Word, and my soul has been bowed in pros- 
tration before his power. After meeting I went home with 



210 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Seth W. Bosworth, where I met with many precious Friends. 
It did my heart good to mingle with this family, and with 
their visitors. Among the latter were a number of Cana- 
dian Friends with whom I have been joined as was the soul 
of David knit to that of Jonathan. Oh, how precious it was 
to be together, and how hard to part ! We were drawn 
near together, and thee and our little ones were felt to be 
very near in a season of supplication before Him who con- 
descended to bless us. We have been made to feel that we 
are in our places at this time. 

This morning we go again to Farmington Meeting, which 
will make the third time that I have attended a public meet- 
ing in that house. I had hoped I could have passed away 
after the meeting last Fourth-day, but I am not permitted 
so to do. On Sixth-day we attended Williamson Meeting, 
which was a season of deep and trying labor. This is the 

neighborhood in which lives ; and after meeting I 

was informed that he was present. Oh ! it was a very plain 
time, and my heart was dipped into great tribulation ; noth- 
ing but barrenness and dryness spread itself over us. 

Last evening, attended a meeting at Palmyra — but more 
when I get home, as I must now go to meeting. This af- 
ternoon we are to go to Rochester, where a meeting has 
been appointed at six o'clock. To morrow there are to be 
meetings at Wheatland and Mendon, and on Third-day one 
at Canandaigua. Thence we go to Waterloo and Scipio, 
and from the latter place start for home, hoping to be with 



CORRESPONDENCE. 211 

you the last of the week. So, with much love to thee and 
our dear ones, I remain. 

Thy aftectionate husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Rochester, Second-day morning. Received thy letter yes- 
terday. Pleased to learn that you are well. Took tea last 
evening with cousins William and Mary Hallowell. They 
were well and ver}' kind. We are well. 

Philad'a, Seventh Montli 2nd, 1849. 

My Beloved Wife: — It was pleasant to hear, through 
mother, on Seventh-day evening, that you were all well. 
Health is a great temporal blessing, and to keep it we see 
that many endeavors are made. Fear seizes hold of the 
strong man when any little disturbance gives evidence that 
something is out of order. Physicians are applied to, and 
their nostrums are swallowed; much money being expended 
to make whole that which is halt. It is true health is a 
great blessing; and we might reasonably hope to preserve 
it, if we would only let our moderation appear in all things. 
I trust that care which is requisite will be extended by thee 
over thyself, and our little ones, as well as over D. 

We have the cholera, here in the city, as much as at any 
previous period this season ; but it seems to be confined 
mostly — though not wholly — to the low and. intemperate. 
In Camden some cases have occurred among our friends. 



212 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEYICK. 

Mary Browning's sister died of it last week, and Deborah 
Lippincott and Kezia Cole have had it. I attended Camden 
Meeting on Fifth-day, and again yesterday, when I went 
home with William Folwell and passed the remainder of the 
day. My own health is good, and I desire its preservation. 
Speaking of health, there is a health which is of more 
value than that of the body ; even that health which was 
referred to when the language was addressed, " art thou in 
health, my brother ?'' Alluding to the health of the soul, 
the immortal part. It is of great value to feel and know 
that Ave are well ; that all is well. To know our peace to be 
made with our Heavenly Father, and with all mankind, is 
more to be desired than corn, oil or wine. To feel this health 
is worth more than the possession of worlds, for worlds could 
not purchase it. Adorable be the name of my Heavenly 
Father, it has been my privilege so to feel since my return, 
and my heart has been made glad in the belief that my 
name is written in the " Lamb's Book of Life." Oh ! what 
is it not worth to feel this trust? What sacrifice is too 
great, what toil too much, what privations ought we not 
willingly to endure, that we may feel and have the evidence 
that we are children of our Father in Heaven. Here then 
we may say, Come life or death, come riches or poverty-, 
come prosperity or adversity — having an anchor to the soul 
both sure and steadfast, we shall know peace and resigna- 
tion, enjoyment and love to cover our minds. That we may 
unitedly be partakers of this pure feeling, this Heavenly 



CORRESPONDENCE. 213 

love ; that it may be our concern to be filled with that which 
will make us fruitful in the field of ofi^ering, and joyful in 
the house of prayer, is the earnest desire of my soul. As we 
walk in the light of the Love of God, and keep his com- 
mandments, we shall come to know an enlargement of this 
love, and an increase of strength to resist the temptations 
that surround us. 

With love to thee, to our dear ones, to grandfather, to 
cousin Ellen Hallowell, and to all the rest, I am, in the 
bonds of true afifection, thy husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Philada., Pa., Seventh Month 26th, 1849. 
To . 

Esteemed Friend: — Thy interesting and acceptable letter 

came to hand this evening. I perceive by the heading that 

thou art in Dutchess County, and I am glad that thou art 

there, for I thought thy pallid cheek needed the invigorating 

influence of country air to renew it to its wonted hue. 

There is, too, in the quiet retirement of the country, that 

which is congenial to a mind seeking Truth. In the dark 

solitudes of the forest, when shut out from the hum of busy 

life, and from the excitement that surrounds us in the city 

— when naught is to be heard but the rustling of the branches 

stirred by the breeze, or the happy and melodious notes of 

the warbler, or the lively chirping of the squirrel — we see 

and feel in everything around us, that one great Power made 

us all. 



214 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

As we are thus turned to look to Him we love, and as 
the heart is poured forth in true devotion, it will breathe 
the language, " Holy Father, make me as thou wouldst have 
me to be." Then do we feel that we have been brought by 
the power of his love into a state of willingness to be formed 
by his Holy Hand ; that we have given up our wills to the 
direction of his pure Spirit. Amid forest surroundings, 
seated on a fallen tree, I have passed hours of jo}^, and have 
shed tears of gratitude, for the seasons of Heavenly love and 
favor which I have been permitted to enjoy. At such times, 
when my heart has been filled with love, and my sympathies 
have gone out to the whole human family, I have k)oked on 
mankind and beheld inconsistencies and diversities of belief 
— the same which have cast a disheartening influence over thy 
mind — which, at that stage of my experience, I was unable 
to understand. But I soon found that if I was willingly 
obedient, standing ready to do that which was opened to 
my view, and ma(J.e plain — -even if it was to be still, and not 
do anything, or to withdraw from that in which I had been- 
engaged, and which had seemed right at the time — a cover- 
ing of peace and joy would come as a mantle over my spirit. 

The most important dut}' to be performed, the most val- 
uable lesson to be learned, is to he still ; that is to know a 
quieting of the active reasoning power of the human mind. 
'' Be still, and know that I am God," was an injunction 
given to a people in a former day. It is only as we become 
still that we can know the Truth, or can approach our Heav- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 215 

enly Father. What I mean by we is the natural man; our 
own reasonmgs and deductions can never give us a knov^l- 
edge of the Truth ; and while we seek to arrive at it through 
this medium we shall ever fail to attain. This is the cause 
of such a diversity of opinion among men, as to '^ what is 
Truth." One man, by his powers of mind, by reading, etc., 
draws one conclusion, another man another conclusion, and 
a third still a difierent one ; yet they all claim to be in the 
Truth, all think they have the Truth ; they are even ready 
to make sacrifices for the Truth as they view it. 

A true knowledge of God is not to be attained by the 
natural man. He can, by his reasoning powers, draw cor- 
rect conclusions concerning natural things; indeed, these 
powers have been given him by the Creator for this very pur- 
pose ; to supply his wants, and to place him above the brute 
creation ; but they will never enable him to arrive at a 
knowledge of the Truth. In order to attain this he must 
ex^pevience another birth; not a natural, but a spiritural one, 
effected by the Holy Spirit upon that (in man) which is pure 
and passive to its power. Man must know^ a willingness to 
be given up entireh' into the hands of his Heavenly Father. 
If this Power is allowed to operate, the result is the birth of 
the immortal life, the child of God, that whicli can know the 
Truth, and w^hich can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 
This child does not depend on reason, nor does it reason con- 
cerning the things of God. The food of this child is the 
bread of life, which is dispensed by its Creator, and which 



216 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

comes from Heaven. Its teacher is Christ, and in his school 
it progresses from lesson to lesson, until its comes to know 
(not merely to believe, but to knoio) what Truth is. 

All who have been thus begotten, thus nourished, and 
thus taught, knoiD one another, and speak the same language, 
according to their growth from a child upward. 

I am thy sympathizing friend, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Eighth Month 7th, 1849. 

My Beloved Wife : — Yesterday afternoon I attended the 
funeral of our esteemed friend, Matilda Underwood [daugh- 
ter of Sarah Hunt], that dear young woman who was with 
her father and mother and ourselves in our visit to Genesee. 
I had not known of her illness, nor did I hear of her death 
until one o'clock yesterday, and the funeral was to meet at 
three. I procured a horse and sulky, and by much exer- 
tion arrived there about half an hour late. It was a solemn 
season ; a trial to me to part with one in the morning of her 
day, and one whom I highly esteemed. Her dear mother 
and sister, also her father [Elisha Hunt] bore up in a won- 
derful manner. Her mother told me that it was a Heavenly 
precious time, that she had a clear view that all was well 
w^ith the departed. Great, indeed, is the trial but who could 
ask to have her back again. I felt glad that I had the op- 
portunity of being present, for it was a favored, solemn 
season. Her disease was remittent, running' into congostivi' 



CORRESPONDENCE. 217 

fever. She was ill only nine days. Thus was a liriglit 
liower plucked in all its bloom; yet she lives where her 
beauty and loveliness can never fade. 

Hoping to hear from thee soon, with a heart full of love 
to thee and our dear little ones, and to all inquiring friends, 
I am, in much aiFection, thy husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Parkesburg, Penna., Tenth Month 24th, 1850. 

My Dearhj Beloved Wife: — I am here waiting for dinner, 
in company with William E. Bailey and wife, on our way 
from Cain Quarter, held at Sadsbury. It has been a day of 
close dealing, but, blessed be God, his power carried me 
over all, to the declaring of his great word of life and salva- 
tion, to the solemnizing of man}- minds. 

I feel — if it were consistent with the Divine will — how 
gladly would I come to you this evening, instead of sending 
this messenger ; but the Lord ordereth otherwise ; and I am 
bound for his cause, and the precious testimony of Truth. 

I am on my way back to London Grove, and the prospect 
is to attend meeting at Kennett Square on First-day, and to 
be at home on Second-day if the Lord will. 

I am, and have been, very well. I arrived at West Ches- 
ter about six o'clock, and chose the Mansion House for my 
place of entertainment while in that town. In the morning 
I attended meeting, and after dinner started for William E. 
Bailey's. The distance is about fourteen miles, and I had a 
14 



218 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

ride of one mile, thus making a walk of thirteen miles. I 
was not much fatigued, and slept well. I have heen taken 
care of. 

I remain in the bonds of near affection, thy husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Wheeling, W. Va., Eighth Month 2l8t, 1866. 

My Dear Wife: — After a refreshing night's sleep, I sit down 
to inform thee of my whereabouts. I arrived here last even- 
ing after a very pleasant day's ride. I had good company 
all the way. On the cars, met Edward Parrish, who was 
on his way to Detroit to attend a pharmaceutical convention, 
also the wife of Edward Walton, who was going to New 
Brighton to visit her mother. I had her company as far as 
Pittsburg, and Edward's to Wellsville. At Pittsburg I met 
Elida John, with wife, daughters and niece, bound for Ster- 
ling, 111. When we left Pittsburg, the heavy, leaden clouds 
portended rain ; and soon it began to fall, and continued for 
some time ; but at length the clouds dispersed, the sun shone 
out, and beamed brightly on the placid waters of the Ohio, 
along whose banks we were whirled at a rapid rate of speed. 

The crops look fine, and the green apple orchards bend- 
ing and breaking under their loads of fruit, were beautiful 
to behold, 

I discovered that the cars did not make any connection 
from Bellaire last evening, but I found, on the train, a man 
who kindly put me in the way to reach my destination 



CORRESPONDENCE. 2J^ 

without any difficulty. He advised me to go to Wheeling, 
remain there over night, and in the morning take the stage, 
which goes directly past Joseph Mead's house. I gladly 
followed his advice, and now I am here, stopping at the 
Grant House. 

I have been called to breakfast, my trunk must be ready, 
and the stage is to start in an hour from this time. . . . 

With much love* to all my friends, thy affectionate hus- 
band, . , 

Samuel J. Leyick. .. 

Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, Eighth Month 29th, 1866. 
To Jane F. Levick. 

My Dear Daughter : — It is now more than a week since 
I left my home, with its dear ones, the thoughts of whom 
fill my heart, and my secret prayers often arise to ray Heav- 
enly Father, that preservation may be extended unto you all. 

Two sessions of the Yearly Meeting have been held, and 
now (Fourth-day morning) we are to have a meeting for 
worship. Since I wrote to you at Lloydsville, I have had a 
very interesting time among Friends and others. On Sixth- 
day evening last I attended an appointed meeting in the 
Methodist Meeting-house, at St. Clairsville. It was a sea- 
son of Divine favor, such as it has not often been my lot to 
experience. The people appeared very tender, and express- 
ed a desire that my lot might be cast among them again. 

While in St. Clairsville we were entertained at the home 



220 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

of Jane Edgertou, who is a relative of brother John C. Les- 
ter's, being the daughter of Issachar Foulke, who removed 
to Ohio, from Richland, many years ago. When I went to 
her house I did not know of this relationship. 

On Seventh-day morning, Benjamin Tomlinson and my- 
self left St. Clairsville, on horseback; the horses having 
been provided for us by Samuel Tomlinson, the Friend at 
whose house we are now stopping. The distance was over 
ten miles, and the road such a one as thou never saw. The 
hills very, very steep, and the great rain that occurred a few 
weeks ago has made them almost impassable for equestrians. 
We got through safely, however, and arrived at Mt. Pleasant 
in time to attend the Select Yearly Meeting. A small one 
it was; and to me a very trying one. I obtained very little 
relief from expression — a great contrast with the meeting 
held the evening before. Returned to S. T.'s, and on First- 
day morning attended a large meeting in the old meeting- 
house at Mt. Pleasant, where formerly had stood many of 
the noted ones among Friends, but now they are gone. In 
the afternoon had an appointed meeting for Friends and 
others; and the invitation was extended to "Orthodox" 
Friends, some of whom were in attendance. Of this num- 
ber was Caroline E. Talbot, who spoke most interestingly. 
She is a dear Friend, and so sweet-spirited. She wanted to 
take me home with her, but I did not go then. 

We have, at Yearly Meeting, the company of Bennet S. 
Walters and JS'athan Thomas, from Iowa; Rebecca John 



CORRESPONDENCE. 221 

and Chas. Teas and wife, from our own Yearly Meeting, 
and several other Friends. The burden of the word has 
rested principally on myself in the public meetings, which 
have been comfortable. Last evening I had an appointed 
meeting about two miles from my lodgings, at a place called 
Berg, or Hole in the Ground. The company was an inter- 
esting one, and the Word flowed freely toward them. We 
were baptized deeply together, and the meeting closed 
under a solemn feeling. 

I often experience a deep sense of outward loneliness, and 
at times feel almost discouraged by the prospect of the work 
that is before me. 

Write to me at Barnesville, Belmont Co., Ohio; after that 
at Columbus, and still later at Springfield. I have not yet 
heard from you. I am getting along right well as to the 
body. 

With a great deal of love, thy father, afi:ectionately, 

Samuel J. Levick. 



EocHESTER, Penna., Ninth Month 1st, 1866. 

To Lewis J. Levick. 

My Dear Son: — We arrived here safely, and have to wait 
for the cars to take us to New Brighton, where a meeting 
has been appointed, at my request, for this afternoon. We 
left Wheeling, Va., this morniog, having had a meeting 
there last evening in a Presbyterian house of worship. I 



222 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

expeot^to be at Saleiii, 0., to morrow, attending the meeting 
there in the forenoon, and I am looking to see whether way 
will, open for a meeting at Damascus in the evening. This 
is where 'those Friends called " Gurnejites " are to hold 
their Yearly Meeting next w^eek. 

- Thy 'letter was received, and its interesting contents 
noted. It is the only letter I have had from home. I was 
very glad to hear that you were all well, and getting on so 
satisfactorily. I am not feeling very brisk this morning, 
having taken some cold, but I think I shall be better this 
evening. The Yearly Meeting closed on Fifth-day after- 
noon, in a very solemn manner, and in the evening I had 
an appointed meeting at Harris ville, and yesterday morning 
one at Farmington, on the way to Wheeling. As thou sees, 
my face is now turned homeward, and if I could I would 
come. Oh, I have had the Divine Arm around me, and 
his presence has been the crown and diadem of all our 
meetings ! Friends are very kind, and I have not wanted 
for way to attend to all my duties, yet I often feel a deep 
sense of loneliness. I hardly think I shall go to Zanesville, 
but if I feel better I may go by way of Springfield, and rest 
there a day or two. Benjamin Tomlinson is with me, and 
he is a very kind and attentive companion. If I go on, I 
think he will accompany me. I am writing on my carpet- 
bag, in the station .... 

My dear wife, my heart salutes thee in dear love. The 
Lord has caused my cup to run over, and I feel that I must 



CORRESPONDENCE. 223 

stand resigned to his will ; for I well know that if I should 
consult my own feelings I should soon be at home. 
With a heart overflowing with love to you all. 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Damascus, O., Ninth Month 3rd, 1866. 

My Dear Wife : — Thinking from the character of the letter 
that I wrote to thee and Lewis, when I was at the Rochester 
depot on Seventh-day, that you would be anxious to hear 
from me, I sit down this morning to give thee fresh tidings. 
We are now at the house of our friend, the widow BruiF, 
where father and I stopped twenty-six years ago, and where 
he came near being seriously injured by a heifer. Thou 
has heard me speak of the occurrence. 

When I wrote on Seventh-day, I was not feeling very 
well, but on arriving at !N'ew Brighton we went to Thornton 
Walton's, where a good repast and a comfortable nap so 
refreshed me that I attended the meeting appointed to con- 
vene at half-past one o'clock. Thornton's wife was a school- 
mate of thine at Martha Hampton's at Buckingham. Her 
name was Bean. 

Leaving ISTew Brighton about half-past three o'clock, we 
arrived at Salem about half-past five, and went to John 
Satterthwaite's, where we remained over night. On First- 
day morning attended Salem Meeting, and in the afternoon 
were brought to this place by Barton Heacock, son of 
Nathan Heacock, who was once at our house. I had rather 



224 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

looked toward having a meeting here, but way does not 
seem to open for it, at this time. I am here mingUng with 
those Friends called " Gurneyites " who have come here to 
hold their Yearly Meeting. A large number of ministers 
are in attendance. Last evening was passed very pleasantly 
with these Friends, and in answer to inquiries made, I had 
the opportunity of opening out many views, and perhaps of 
dissipating some prejudice. The evening closed very com- 
fortably, and I had a pretty good night. I seem to be im- 
proving in health, and feel quite comfortable this morning. 
I remain thy dearly attached husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Near Alliance, Ohio, Ninth Month 4th, 1866. 

To Charles M. Levick. 

My Dear Son Charles: — Having yesterday, at Damascus, 
written a letter to thy dear mother, and now thinking that 
it will be pleasant to thee to have a letter from me, I sit down 
to write. 

I feel my heart drawn toward you all in great nearness, 
and I doubt not that thou and all the rest are doing what 
you can to make your dear mother comfortable ; also that 
you are attending to business, so that we may have some- 
thing provided for the support of these poor bodies. 

I have, until now, been traveling through a beautiful and 
fertile country, but a very hilly one. Here the surface and 
soil remind me of our own neighborhood. The corn 



CORRESPONDENCE. 225 

crop is very good, and the people are abundantly blessed 
with enough to eat; but, as is too much the case in our sec- 
tion, they are careless about the one thing needful. I never 
traveled so much through a farming country, and saw so 
little going on in the earth ; so little work. True, it is a 
wool-producing district, and I have seen thousands of sheep 
climbing the hills, and grazing in the rich, green pastures. 
Farming land here is almost as high-priced as it is with us. 

Tell thy sister and thy brother Lewis that I am in the 
neighborhood where R. P. lived and died. 

I left Damascus yesterday morning, having there met with 
a number of agreeable Friends, and among them two from 
Maine, who were the parents of one of Lewis's college-mates, 
who died last fall. His mother gave me his photograph for 
Lewis, and I enclose it in this letter. 

My friends, Joseph S. Hartley and Benjamin Tomlinson, 
have gone to Alliance this morning to ascertain whether 
they can obtain a suitable place for a meeting this evening, 
and if they succeed in finding one, they will appoint or give 
notice of the meeting, and we shall go there from this place. 
The distance is about three and a-half miles. I have some 
prospect of stopping, this afternoon, at a large school for 
both sexes, which is in this neighborhood. 

Tell thy mother I met with Caroline E. Talbot yesterday, 
and she told me that she had written to her. I was very 
glad to learn this, for if her letter did mother as much good 
as what she said did me, I know it must have been good to 
receive it. She is an unassuming, delicate little woman. 



226 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK, 

Under the pleasant atmospheric influences around me, I 
feel right well this morning, and have concluded to defer 
my visit to cousin John Thomas's at Springfield, and to go 
forward to Chicago, and thence to West Liberty, Iowa. 
Prairie G-rove Quarterly Meeting is to be held near West 
Liberty, next Seventh, First and Second-days. I shall pro- 
bably remain in Iowa a week or ten days, and then go 
directly to Richmond, Ind., stopping only at Fall Creek on 
my way. 

I think you may venture to send a letter to me at West 
Liberty, and another at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. I shall write 
to John Thomas, requesting him to forward my letters, also 
to the Postmaster at Columbus, Ohio. 

I am affectionately, thy father, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Chicago, IlL, Ninth Month 7th, 1866. 

To Samuel J. Levick, Jr. 

My Dear Son Samuel: — This morning finds me in the 
metropolis of the West, having arrived here last evening 
near ten o'clock. We came from Alliance, Ohio, in about 
sixteen hours. 

When I wrote to thy brother Charles I spoke of my 
friends having gone to Mt. Union to make arrangements 
for a meeting. It was appointed at the Methodist Meeting- 
house, and a very interesting occasion it proved to be. It 
was attended by hundreds of young men and young women 



CORRESPONDENCE. 227 

who are students at the college ; and these, together with 
the inhabitants of the village, made a very large gathering. 
Gospel truths were poured out freely, and to many it was a 
season that I think will not soon be forgotten. 

The next day we returned to Joseph Hartley's and at- 
tended the little meeting called Cope's Run. In the evening 
went to Alliance where a meeting had been appointed for 
us, in the Methodist place of worship. It was a good-sized 
company of people, who were evidently strangers to our 
manner of worshipping in silence, so I introduced myself by 
reading my certificate, which appeared to be satisfactory. 
After a time of silence I found my way open to unfold unto 
them the Gospel of life and salvation, showing the necessity 
of coming to Christ, and drawing water from the wells of 
salvation. It proved to be a favored time ; oh ! may the 
glory be ascribed unto our Heavenly Father to whom alone 
it is due. It is no slight trial, my son, to appear before 
hundreds of strangers, all watching to see what can be found 
fault with. 

We had a pleasant ride, yesterday, through Ohio and In- 
diana, and this morning at nine o'clock we start for Daven- 
port, Iowa ; we are due there at half-past five o'clock this 
afternoon. To-morrow morning we expect to go to West 
Liberty, near which place the Quarterly Meeting of Prairie 
Grove is to be held on to-morrow and the two following 
days — Seventh, First and Second-days. 

I am with much afiection, thy father, 

Samuel J. Levick. 



228 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Burlington, Iowa, Ninth Month 17th, 1866. 

My Dear Wife : — A few hours ago, I Avrote, with a pencil, 
some lines, informing thee that we were about to depart 
from the State of Iowa. That note was written at Mt. 
Pleasant, and now we are here waiting for the train which 
is to take us to Chicago, at which city we expect to arrive 
in the morning. We are looking forward to having a meet- 
ing appointed there to-morrow evening, if way should open 
for it. From Chicago we purpose going to Indianapolis, 
and thence to Richmond. 

Last Third-day afternoon, under the care of Abner Pope, 
who resides near West Liberty, we proceeded to Atalissa 
and attended a meeting, appointed for us, in the Presby- 
terian Meeting House. The gathering was not large, but 
the meeting proved to be very satisfactory. Returned to A. 
Pope's to lodge, and in the morning (having sent word 
before, and having the way made open), we went to Spring- 
dale Meeting of " Gurney Friends" — so called here — in 
company with I^athan Macy, one of their members, at whose 
house we stopped on our way to the meeting. Friends re- 
ceived us kindly, placed us at the head of the meeting, and 
were very kind after meeting, inviting us to their homes. 
We accepted the invitation of Dillworth Schooley, and after 
dinner rode seven miles to a meeting appointed among them 
at Honey Grove. We were a little late in reaching the 
place, and found the house filled. We soon gathered into a 
precious solemnity, and oh ! what a tendering season we 



CORRESPONDENCE. 229 

were permitted to enjoy. The word of life flowed out, and 
we were deeply baptized together. Many of their members 
were absent, having gone to their Yearly Meeting at Osea- 
loosa. We returned to Nathan Macy's, and stayed over 
night. In the evening I had a very sweet, refreshing op- 
portunity with three young people. It w^as worth the visit 
here, to have this Heavenly season. jN'ext morning we went 
to West Branch Meeting, " Gurney Friends," where there 
was quite a gathering of people. Here we found rather 
more reservedness, than at the other meetings, still we were 
welcomed, and a very comfortable season was our portion. 
We dined with a Friend named Jonathan Wilson. Both 
he and his wife treated us very kindly. At this meeting, 
and at Springdale, I met my mother's friend Anabella Winn, 
wife of Thomas Winn. She was very kind, and desired the 
blessing of the Holy One upon me. 

From West Branch we returned to West Liberty, and 
stayed all night with Thomas Brown who, on Sixth-day, 
took us through a beautiful country to Iowa City. In the 
evening we had a favored meeting in the Methodist Meet- 
ing-house, and went to lodge at the house of a " Gurney 
Friend " named Richard Sanders. We were very kindly 
entertained, and on Seventh-day morning we took our de- 
parture from Iowa City for Prairie Grove; the distance being 
forty-five miles. Soon after we had started rain began to 
fall ; and a rainy day it proved to be. It was about nine 
P. M. when we reached Caleb Russel's, where w^e were 



230 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

kindly taken in and cared for. First-day we attended Prairie 
Grove Meeting. It was a good-sized company, and we felt 
very comfortable in being with them. In the afternoon we 
rode to Mt. Pleasant, a town of several thousand inhabitants, 
where we had a meeting appointed for the evening in the 
Campbellite Meeting House. , The gathering was large, and 
it proved to be a remarkably solemn, quiet meeting. There 
are several Friends residing in Mt. Pleasant. Whom should 
I meet here, but I^ewton Thompson and family, at whose 
house we were entertained. They have nine children, and 
are comfortably situated. On Second-day (to-day) we dined 
with the wife of Bennet S. Walters who resides at Prairie 
Grrove in a comfortable home. We left the place about 2.30 
P. M. and came here. 

Since I last wrote thee, we have been passing through the 
most beautiful country for agricultural purposes that I have 
ever seen. We are both very well, and have been so during 
all the. time that we have passed in this State. 

I feel thankful to our Heavenly Father for his bountiful 
goodness in taking care of us, and making a way for us to 
discharge the duties placed upon us. May the praise be 
ascribed to Him who alone is worthy. 

With my heart full of love to you all, and with desires 

for your preservation, thy husband, in the bonds of true 

affection, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Write to Richmond, Ind. ; to Waynesville, 0.; and later 

to Springfield, 0. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 231 

Chappaqua, N. Y., Eighth Month 3rd, 1867. 

My Dear Wife : — Here we are at Esther Haviland's, ex- 
pecting to attend an appointed meeting this evening, at a 
new building called the Union Meeting-house. 

I suppose you have heard, by Benjamin's letter, of our 
safe arrival at Purchase, where we were kindly entertained 
by our friends, William Sherwood and wife, at whose house 
we made our home while visiting in that neighborhood. 
We saw David Barnes and family, Solomon Haviland and 
his sons, Mellis Tilton and wife, James Burdsall and wife, 
and our ^ew York friends, John L. Grifien and wife, and 
her sisters, Mary and Jane Haydock. 

We have had very interesting and favored opportunities 
in the meetings, as they came in course — also an appointed 
one at White Plains — and last evening one at Mt. Kisco : 
we are now stopping at the country home of Phebe Haight, 
the mother-in-law of Effingham Cock, where they — Effing- 
ham and family — spend their summers. Many have been 
the inquiries for thee from the diffisrent friends whom we 
have met, and much regret has been expressed because 
thou art not with us. 

So far, I have been right well, and have got along very 
comfortably. We expect to attend the regular meeting at 
Chappaqua to-morrow morning, and an appointed one at 
Amawalk in the afternoon, then to go on to Quaker Hill, at 
which place Nine Partners Quarter is to be held on Second- 
day. My Heavenly Shepherd has been to me mouth and 



232 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

wisdom, tongue and utterance, and the solemnizing influ- 
ence of his presence has been the " crown and diadem" of 
our assemblies,- I trust, to the refreshing of the weary 
travelers. May the praise be ascribed to Him, and Him 
alone. Friends are very kind, and we have great cause to 
be thankful. Between meetings my time is much taken 
up, as I find many inquiring minds, and much opportunity 
for this kind of service. 

As I am called to tea, I must now close. I have re- 
gretted not getting to see sister Hannah Lester before I 
left. Hoping you are all getting along well, I conclude 
with a heart full of love to you and to inquiring friends. 
Thy husband, in much aflection, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

PoUGHKEEPRiE, N. Y., Eighth Month 10th, 1867. 

My Dear Wife : — The steamboat Daniel Drew, brought us 
to this place about one o'clock this afternoon. 

Yesterday, after attending meeting at Hudson, we crossed 
the river, and had a very satisfactory appointed meeting at 
Athens, in the evening. The notice was short, but the 
house was filled, and among the company I believe there 
were many who were seeking Truth. We passed the night 
with our friends, Abraham Lawton and family. 

At Hudson we met with George Truman and wife, who 
are visiting meetings in this part of the country. This is 
the only place at which we have met them. It was Stan- 



CORRESPONDENCE. 233 

ford Quarterly Meeting, held, this time, at Hudson. It was 
a small gathering — greatly contrasting with our Quarter — 
and most of the time in the first meeting was occupied by 

, though I found opportunity for the relief of my 

much exercised mind, and in the women's meeting, after 
the shutters were closed, I had a very satisfactory service. 
Several of the Yearly Meeting's Committee were in attend- 
ance, and of the number were our dear friends, Rachel 
Hicks and Robert R. Willets. Truly the condition of our 
Society is very weak in these parts, and unless a change 
should take place, their meetings must, ere long, go down. 
Still, I hope that there may be those found who will be 
willing to raise the standard of Truth among them. 

To-morrow we are to attend meeting here in the morn- 
ing, and one at Pleasant Valley at four o'clock in the after- 
noon. After this we go to Isaac Merritt's to lodge, then 
have an appointed meeting at Oswego on Second-day even- 
ing ; attend the meeting at Mne Partners on Third-day 
morning, and have one appointed at Hart's Village (not 
among Friends) in the evening, then return to this city, 
where we may attend the Monthly Meeting. After leaving 
Poughkeepsie, our prospect is to cross the river and go 
dow^n to Marlborough, thence to Cornwall and Clove, then 
recross the Hudson and hold an appointed meeting at 
Peekskill on Sixth-day evening; on Seventh-day to pass 
through ]^ew York, on our way to Shrewsbury, in order to 
attend the meeting there on First-day. This will close the 
15 



234 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

service, and then I want thee to come down to Long 
Branch, and let us have a few days together, enjoying the 
ocean. Probably brother James or some of the family may 
be going down on Seventh-day, and thou can accompany 
them, and come on to Shrewsbury to meet me. We expect 
to stop at the home of Thomas Williams, or at that of Ben- 
jamin W. Corlies, where we shall be glad to meet you, or 
at Shrewsbury Meeting on First-day. 

I have been very well, not having suffered any from 
hoarseness this time. Brother Benjamin is also well and 
his company and service have been grateful to me. 

[In 1873 Philadelphia Yearly Meeting appointed a Com- 
mittee to visit the Indian agencies under its charge. In 
pursuance of this appointment, they went, in the Sixth 
Month, to ]N"ebraska and Kansas. Samuel J. Levick was 
one of this Committee.] 

Great Nemaha Agency, Nebraska, Sixth Month 21st, 1873. 
My Dear Wife : — We arrived here night before last, after 
a very pleasant ride from Omaha. Our route lay along the 
valleys of the Missouri, the Platte and the Kemaha Rivers, 
to White Cloud, in the State of Kansas. Here we were 
met and conveyed to the Agency, arriving there after dusk. 
We found Deborah F. Wharton and her daughter-in-law, 
Susan Wharton, also her grand-daughter, Hettie Thurston. 
All well. Yesterday morning, soon after breakfast. Agent 
Lightfoot, with David Petitt and myself, started out to 
take a view of the Agency, to see the Indians in their 



CORRESPONDENCE. 235 

homes, and to examiiie their improvements. We were 
much interested in our trip, having an opportunity of see- 
ing the Indians in their different conditions. Among the 
first that we visited was a family living in a bark house. 
They were just eating their breakfast, sitting down on the 
ground. They had some visitors, and the head of the fam- 
ily, having been away, his countenance gave evidence that 
he had been using " fire-water." We did not tarry long, 
but went on to another home, which was very different. A 
snug log-house and a flourishing garden, with a variety of 
vegetables. Both the corn and the potatoes on the reser- 
vation are the finest that we have seen this season. After 
having visited a number of houses whose interiors looked 
snug and comfortable, we went to the school-and-mission- 
house for children. In the latter part of the afternoon we 
held a council with the lowas, where were all their chiefs 
and head men and braves. Speeches were made by some 
of us, and replies came from all the chiefs and from one de- 
posed chief. He and several of the others were attired in 
the Indian costume. The opportunity was interesting and 
satisfactory. 

We now start for the Sac and Fox tribe, to hold a coun- 
cil with them this afternoon. On Second-day we are to go 
to the Otoe Agency, where we shall probably be detained a 
day or two, and then start homeward on Fifth-day, arriving 
in Kansas City on Sixth-day evening. Should it seem to be 
feasible, we shall try to reach Richmond, Ind., so as to pass 



23B LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

First-day there, and then go right through to Philadelphia. 
"We may, however, have to remain over First-day in St. 
Louis. The weather, though warm, is delightful, being 
tempered by a fine breeze. 

As the time has come for us to go, I must conclude. So, 
with much love to you all, I am thy affectionate husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 

Otoe Agency, Sixth Month 25th, 1873. 

My Dear Wife : — We arrived at this place night before 
last, having made the journey from the other agency in one 
day. About seventy miles of the way, we came by rail, 
and thirty by wagon. Yesterday we were very busy ex- 
amining into the condition of things, and riding round oyer 
a portion of the agency. 

Here we see Indian life in all its native conditions. They 
live, most of them, in their original way in wigwams and 
lodges, in village style, with all its accompanying filth. 
These villages are occupied by several families, each having 
its place. The wigwams are made of wooden frames, lined 
with skins, and covered on the outside with a thick cover- 
ing of sods. The only light is admitted by an opening at 
the top, which serves also as an outlet for the smoke. The 
fire is made in the middle of the ground-floor. A long 
entry leads to each of the wigwams. They are quite high, 
and on the outside, at a little distance, look like huge hay- 
stacks. Here we see the Indian dressed in his native style ; 
the men — many of them — wearing nothing but a cloth 



CORRESPONDENCE. 2§7 

around their waists, and a blanket thrown loosely over 
head and shoulders. Some wear only the cloth, without 
the blanket appendage. The squaws and girls wear loose 
dresses and slips, and the boys wear shirts, sometimes with 
the additional blanket. The small children run about with- 
out any clothing. Many of the men have their heads 
shaved, leaving only a small tuft of hair; both head and face 
are painted red. Many of them wear red leggings, and red 
and green blankets abound. They are an indolent tribe. I 
have seen but two men at work since we came here ; one 
was dressing his potatoes, and the other, an old man, was 
making arrows. 

Our friends Jesse and Sybella Greist have been very kind 
to us, and they are doing all that they can to make us com- 
fortable. Our presence adds much to Sybella's cares, and 
for this reason, if no other, it would seem desirable to make 
our stay as short as may be, in order to get the necessary in- 
formation. But aside from this I am quite anxious to reach 
home. Deborah Wharton was quite poorly yesterday, but 
is better this morning. The weather is very fine, being 
warm and clear. Seventh-day night and First-day it rained ; 
but with this exception I have not had a rainy day on this 
journey. The country here is very fine, and a delightful 
breeze is blowing most of the time. 

We have a council with the Indians this morning at nine 
o'clock, so I must get ready to go. 

With much love, thy husband, 

Samuel J. Levick. 



238 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

CHAPTER YII. 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 



MY TWENTY-FIRST BIRTH-DAY. 
Thus has ended the thirtieth day of Eighth Month, 1840 ; 
it being the first of the week, and the first of my entrance 
upon legalized manhood. I cannot say that I had been 
looking forward to it vrith any more anxiety than to any 
other birth-day. In fact nearly half the day had passed 
before I thought of it. I am not one of those who believe 
that a youth steps from boyhood to manhood in one day; 
but, on the contrary, that the development is gradual, 
and that every day is a factor in the transition. I regard not 
this day as the entrance-gate to freedom, or to such liberty 
as would absolve me from giving heed to parental advice, 
or solicitation ; for I feel that my status in these particu- 
lars is the same that it was a year ago. It is true that I 
now occupy a dififerent position, and stand in a difierent 
relation to the communitv in which I live, and to the relis:- 
ious Society of which I am a member — as I am now amenable 
to both of these for ray conduct — but I do not expect to 
change, in the least, my bearing toward either of them, 
thouo-h I do desire to be found walkino; in more faithful 
obedience to the law of my Heavenly Father, written in my 
heart. I firmly believe that this law, as revealed to us in- 
dividually, and followed by us faithfully, is sufiicient to lead 

and guide into all Truth. 

Samuel J. Levick. 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 239 



LABORING WITHOUT A CALL. 
Addressed to Young Friends. 

" When the Son of Man shall come in his glory, and all 
the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne 
of his glory ; and before Him shall be gathered all nations : 
and He shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd 
divideth his sheep from the goats ; and He shall set the sheep 
on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the 
King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of 
my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the 
foundation of the world. . . . Then shall He say also 
unto them on the left hand. Depart from me, ye cursed, into 
everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. . . 
and these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but 
the righteous into life eternal." 

It is with me thus to write this day, for my spirit has been 
bowed, in view of the nature of man's transgression of the 
law of his God. How insidious are the means used b}^ the 
old enemy of man's peace, to draw him away from the Lord, 
his Creator, and thus produce enmity between him and his 
God. 

For you, children, who are in an especial manner the ob- 
ject of his embrace, for you^ are these lines penned. My de- 
sire for you is that Satan may not have you to sift you as wheat 
is sifted, and to destroy the seed of the Kingdom that has been 
sown by the good Husbandman in your heart — hence I feel 



240 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

to warn you of his devices. The means he is now employ- 
ing are not those to lead you into any apparently wicked ways ; 
it is not the gratification of your sensual appetites, of your car- 
nal desires, that is leading you astray; oh, no; but a more 
deceitful course is he taking, by presenting evil in a refined 
dress, and calling you to the performance of " good works ;" 
even to upholding the glorious principles that Jesus Christ 
bore testimony to. It is not in breaking the commandments 
of the law, but in doing the works called for by the Gospel, 
that the enemy of man is slaying thousands. Oh, see how 
artful are his ways, for it remains to be true that he is the 
most subtle of all the beasts that the Lord God has made ! 
He is now trying to teach you that by obeying him, you can 
do justly, become temperate, plead the cause of the poor and 
oppressed ; yea, even love your enemies, and have a knowl- 
edge of God. Thus, dear children, though you see him 
not, and know him not, is he stealthily leading you away. 

Mine eye having been opened to see these things, in the 
love of the Gospel I write unto you to warn you and to as- 
sure you that this seducer is the father of lies ; that he is, 
and ever will continue to be, a liar, for the truth is not in 
him. 

Oh, ye sons and daughters who are thus being led captive, 
for you is my spirit under deep exercise, and I feel called 
upon to write to you, and to remind you that the Lord your 
God is watching over you for your redemption, and that " it 
is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" aright. The 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 241 

outward acts of the Gospel may be done in our own will ; 
but to be availing they must be performed in the Spirit of the 
Gospel ; for as faith without works is dead, so likewise works 
without faith are dead; and here is the evil spoken of; we 
are resting on works ; the activity of the natural man has 
opened a way for the enemy to come into the mind, and to 
lead it astray into the performance of labor as a good work. 
But no work is really good unless it has been blessed; and 
the Lord will never bless that which He has not called for. 
I allude to spiritual labor at which you may be toiling, but 
not receiving any reward. 

The cause, dear children, of your being thus led captive 
by the prince of the power of the air, has been the want of 
your keeping silence before God. Ye have not waited for 
Him ; ye have not learned patience, one of the great virtues, 
one of the essential ingredients in the character of the Lamb's 
followers. I have known this from experience ; and I now 
believe myself bound to write and declare that it is not the 
amount of labor we perform that will be accounted unto us 
for righteousness, but in what we do, being done by and 
under the immediate direction of our Heavenly Parent ; and 
that one of the most important lessons we have to learn in 
our Christian travel, is that of being w^illing to do nothing ; 
to be still. " Be still, and know that I am God" was a Di- 
vine injunction ; and from it we learn that without a still- 
ness of all that would be active, we cannot know God. Such 
has been the experience of the Lord's servants in all ages ; 



242 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

the prophet of the Lord knew it, when he commanded, 
" Keep silence before me, all ye islands, and let the people 
renew their strength." If this was necessary for a reiienml 
of strength, how much more so to obtain that strength in 
the first place, that we may be able to wield those potent 
weapons which will ward off the assaults of him who is the 
enemy of our soul's peace. 

I write thus, not because I wish to discourage any in the 
performance of a duty that the Lord is requiring at their 
hands, be it seemingly great or small ; but that ye may know 
that many who are laboring are receiving no reward. 

Like the children of Israel, you have, because of the fam- 
ine, gone down into Egypt, and have there increased and 
multiplied, and a king has arisen who knew not Joseph ; 
and you will, sooner or later, feel the persecuting power 
inflicted upon you. Oh ! then, come out of Egypt, and pre- 
fer rather to suffer with the Seed in traveling through the 
wilderness, than to remain where you are; knowing that 
the Land of Canaan has been promised unto our fathers, 
even a land floAving with milk and honey. Then will you 
see that the w^eapons of the Lord's warfare are not carnal, 
but spiritual, and mighty, through God, to the breaking 
down of the strongholds of oppression and violence, of hatred 
and debauchery, with which the land is filled. The Hivites 
and the Perizzites and the Amorites — all these enemies will 
be destroyed by the power of the Lord. It was only as 
Israel dwelt alone, separated from the surrounding nations, 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 243 

that they overcame their foes; it was only as they followed 
the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, that 
they were safe; and we see the evils that befel them for 
want of patience, even after they had beheld the fire of the 
Lord upon the mount, and had heard the thunderings and 
the voice — yet, because their leader tarried, they became 
impatient, and demanded that a god should be made, and a 
golden calf was made ; and even this people, that had been 
so highly favored, worshipped it ; and said, '' These be tb}^ 
gods, 0, Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of 
Egypt." Such was their idolatry, even after they had be- 
held the Almighty Powder of God, so marvellously displayed 
unto them. May not we, of the present day, find deep in- 
struction in this account, and learn from it the necessity of 
being patient, and of not desiring to awake our beloved 
'' until He please." If we can only learn the important 
lesson of tarrying at Jerusalem until " endued with power 
from on high" — well will it be for us; for then shall we be 
preserved in safety, and " the arrows of the enemy will fall 

harmless" by our side. 

Samuel J. Levick. 

First Month 10th, 1844. 

"MIND THE LIGHT." 

Whatever makes manifest or plain, is Light. God is 
represented as Light ; therefore, the word itself represents 
God. " God is Light, and in Him is no darkness at all." 
Every measure of Light is that much from God. Then let 



244 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

none reject these rays as they come to them. The child 
receives them through the parent and through everything 
v^hich he sees or hears that is good, even from the pages of 
a book. These varieties of Light may properly be called 
reflected Light, just as the moon, which to us appears lumi- 
nous, reflects the light of the sun. This reflected Light 
makes many things appear measurably plain by removing 
a portion of the darkness and lighting up what would 
otherwise be obscure. 

We know that, as human beings, our first condition is 
the darkness of ignorance. We come into the world 
ignorant, and it is only as the Light dawns upon our under- 
standing, that we begin to comprehend natural things. 
This is the twilight of our childhood. Then the reflected 
Light from our parents, our teachers, our books, and what- 
ever other influences for good may be around us, is suffi- 
cient for us to walk by until the direct Light begins to dawn 
upon our spiritual understanding. This last is " The true 
Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the 
world." " For the commandment is a lamp, and the law 
is light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life." 
It should be every man's duty to seek to know, and, know- 
ing, to obeg this law. It is given to a man just as plainly- 
as a parent makes known his will or law to his child, and 
it is especially adapted to our present want. It should be 
the purpose of every son of God, every one who has experi- 
enced the new birth, to bear witness to his (spiritually) 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 245 

younger brethren of the importance of hearkening unto 
and obeying the voice of Grod, so that they may live in the 
enjoyment of all the good things of the Father's house, and 
by keeping in that safe habitation, without even the desire 
to wander away, they may know what it is to enjoy the 
Father's presence in their youth, their manhood, and their 
old age. This is the nearest approach that can be made to 
heaven while in this state of being, and the only limit to 
the measure of our enjoyment will be our capacity to 
receive it. 

It is time to have religion sifted from all the rubbish 
with which it has been covered by designing, selfish men 
whose interest lies in keeping it thus covered. If it were 
presented in its true light and made to appear just what it 
is, there would be many more than there now are who 
would embrace it, and it would also be found that many, 
very many, have it without knowing what they possess ; so 
different is the treasure occupying a secret place in their 
hearts from that which is described in learned disquisitions 
upon religion. 

If we are honest in our profession, and sure of the pos- 
session of this treasure, we shall want all others to enjoy it 
with us. We shall desire to keep nothing back that might 
be of benefit to them, but — as we may feel commissioned 
to do so — we will say unto the people, far and near, " Mind 
that which makes manifest, for that is Light.'' 

Samuel J. Levick. 
No Date. 



246 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

A KNOWLEDGE OF RELIGION. 

We do not need to have multiplied theories or specula- 
tions concerning religion — for the world is full of these — 
but we do need that mankind should be instructed to attach 
great importance to the value of time, and to place a true 
estimate on the worth of life. 

Teachers of what is called religion are often more inter- 
ested in promulgating their own theories and in proselyting 
to their own sects, than they are in acquainting themselves 
with a knowledge of Truth and then instructing the people 
therein. It is, indeed, lamentable that this knowledge 
should be so lightly esteemed and so little possessed by the 
world. Mankind, for centuries, have been led to look to 
the priests and theological teachers for spiritual instruction, 
when — sad to contemplate — too few of these have had any 
to impart, and these few have possessed it in but small 
measure, and have been unwilling to give out the little that 
they had. The disposition still exists among some who are 
called ministers of the Gospel to keep the minds of the 
people in darkness, in order that they may have the greater 
hold upon them, for they know that the acquisition of a 
true knowlege of religion elevates man and turns him from 
a dependence on his fellow-man to a trust and confidence 
in God. 

While it is our duty not to reject any means, but to make 
use of all that are within our reach which can confer on us 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 247 

this knowledge, still it remains to be a truth that the know- 
ledge itself ever has come, and ever must come, from God. 
We know that there are forms of it that come to us through 
instruments — such as anointed Gospel messengers, the ex- 
perience of all good men, and, most of all, the Bible, whose 
contents are so full of instruction — yet the saving know- 
ledge of God must come to us, as it came to his saints and 
children in the past, by the revelation , of his will in the 
soul. " Because that which may be known of God is mani- 
fest in them, for God hath showed it unto them." "He 
hath showed thee, 0, man, w^hat is good, and what doth the 
Lord require of thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, 
and to walk humbly with thy God." 

Now there has been no change with God, for in Him 
" there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." 

Samuel J. Levick. 

No Date. 

EISE AND DECLINE OF FEIENDS. 

[Written on the margin of a Pamphlet entitled "The De- 
cline of Friends; Causes and Remedy."]* 

The cause of the Rise of the Society of Friends was obedi- 
ence to duty to God, the great Teacher of mankind. 

The cause of the Decline, or absence of growth in the 
Truth, is that its members, as a whole, lack obedience to 
duty to God and love other things more than they love 
Him. Jesus said, "He that loveth father or mother. 



248 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

son or daughter (objects of strongest earthly afFectioii), more 
than me, is not worthy of me." 

In Nature, like causes produce like results. Equally true 
is this in Divine things. Samuel J. Levick. 



HOME DUTIES. 

My mind has been impressed with the importance of a 
subject which, I fear, does not receive from many of us 
who are parents the consideration which it deserves. 

I refer to our duties at home, within our family circle, 
for in this sphere are to be found resting upon us obliga- 
tions, for the discharge of which we shall be held to a strict 
account. The duties that we owe to our children are so 
imperative that nothing short of actual disability can ex- 
cuse us for their non-performance, while the consequences 
involved in their neglect are so far-reaching that we cannot 
even estimate the injury that may result. 

The object of our great Creator in assigning to our care 
these tender plants, was not that we should be wholly 
engrossed in providing outward substance for them and for 
ourselves ; and yet, to judge from the actions of many pa- 
rents, it would appear as if they thought that such was the 
case. Neither did he confer upon us feelings of sympathy 
in order that others should be the objects of it, and our 
own families excluded. Nor did He give us powers of 
mind to be cultivated for our own gratification and to the 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 249 

detriment of our children. Nay, verily; but, on the con- 
trary, we are placed as delegated shepherds and shepherd- 
esses, to watch over the flock of our own household, to 
observe the early budding and growth, of their tender 
minds and to train them in a way and manner that will be 
pleasing in the sight of Him who gave them. 

Is it not apparent that such watching and such training 
cannot be given to our children without time and atten- 
tion? But, according to the generally prevailing custom of 
those who abound with the good things of this life, the 
child, from the time of its birth until it is considered old 
enough to have a governess, is consigned to the charge of 
nurses, who, from their lack of knowledge, and often of 
piety, are ill qualified to discharge the duties of care-takers. 

When the school-going period arrives, but little opportu- 
nity is afforded, and still less is taken, for close companion- 
ship with the parents. The mother may be so occupied 
that she cannot answer a simple question put to her by her 
child, while the father is so taken up with business that he 
has no time to be "bothered" with childish inquiries, so 
the little one, repulsed by both parents, but even yet eager 
for information and craving sympathy, turns to the nurse, 
or to the kitchen-maid, and receives such as she has to im- 
part. The father has, or takes, time to go to a political 
meeting or to the club-room, and the mother to a meeting 
of the sewing society or to a sociable, or the two may go 
together to a lecture or to some place of amusement, thus 
16 



250 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

making home rather a dreary place for the children, except 
as the " servants" choose to enliven it. 

Accustomed to such an environment, and in view of such 
examples, the children, while growing up, imbibe a love for 
excitement and a distaste for the monotony of home-life, 
instead of becoming inured to domestic attachments and 
domestic duties which would fit them for their places as 
heads of families when they come to have homes of their 
own. Thus their craving is to get away oi an evening and 
to mingle with the throng at a party, a theatre or a popular 
lecture. Home seems to be disregarded, its duties lost sight 
of, and — for want of cultivation — but little real affection is 
felt by the children for their parents. Father is essential 
as the family treasurer, and mother as superintendent of 
the '^servants," while home is a convenient place to lodge 
and to take meals at. The parents are ready to marvel that 
the children have so little desire for their company, and still 
less regard for their wishes. 

Dear parents, what more could you expect? What has 
been done by you to make home a place to be preferred 
before all others and yonr society the most to be desired by 
your children? Have ambitious temptations for the display 
of wealth been resisted and desires been moderated, so that 
fewer hours would be needed in business, and thus many 
more enjoyed at home? Have you so cherished the heart's 
best affections that your presence in the family circle has 
gladdened those who were awaiting your coming ? And 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 251 

have parents and children together been made partakers of 
the heavenly joy spread around them? 

The self-searching, the close scrutiny, required to enable 
you to give candid answers to these questions may prove 
profitable as well as painful, and to all who are parents good 
may come from such an examination. Let those of us who 
are husbands and fathers gladly hasten from the exchange, 
or turn away from the excitement of the busy throng, to 
enjoy the company of our wives and the innocent prattlp of 
our children, and let both fathers and mothers feel the 
weight of the responsibility that rests upon them as care- 
takers of those who have been cornmitted to their charge. 
If we really love our families, let us manifest our love by 
being more at home, and thus having more of their company. 
If we would curtail our wants and live in more simplicity, 
so that less of our time must be devoted to business, then 
would there be a decided change in family affairs and a 
realization of what is meant by family affection. Then 
should we be found gathering our children around us, 
joining with the younger ones in their juvenile pastimes, 
having some instructive work read aloud by one of the 
older, and — most profitable of all — sitting down wath them 
for , seasons of retirement, wherein we could, in tlie silence 
of all flesh, crave that the Divine blessing might rest upon 
them, and upon us in our efforts for their welfare. 

Samuel J. Levick. 
No Date. 



252 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 



A PHILANTHEOPIC UNION OF FRIENDS.^ 

I have no doubt but that the concern has had its spring in 
honest hearts, earnestly desiring to be working in the line 
of duty ; but I think that the subjects, or the propositions 
concerning them, will not prove conducive to unity, nor pro- 
mote religious growth, in the present condition of our sev- 
eral Yearly Meetings. 

We cannot hold too closely to the views originally uttered 
by the founders of our Society, that they believed them- 
selves called to revive, and present to the world " primitive 
Christianity ;" or in other words, the Truth as it is in Jesus, 
as presented in his life, and recorded in the Holy Scriptures. 
Do we not believe that there is contained in this holy life 
all that is necessary for the development of the perfect man? 
''For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, 
whi^h is Jesus Christ." This is the '* Rock of Ages." 

It cannot be denied that " darkness covers the earth, and 
gross darkness (the minds of) the people;" that this dark- 
ness can only be dissipated by light ; and that only the pos- 
sessor of this light can be instrumental in leading others to it. 

The " Address " commences " A desire has arisen with 
us that our Society may return to its early faithfulness, en- 
ergy and usefulness, and more fully accomplish its mission 
in aiding by practical labor in raising the average standard 
of the world's morality." 



* Suggested by an ** Address" to the Yearly Meetings. 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 253 

In this first paragraph there is an acknowledgment that 
the Society has wandered away, or gone from that which it 
early possessed, and which made it a light in the world. 
Hence it is, that before it can perform its former work of 
"faithfulness," etc., it must return to its "first love;" and 
should it not therefore be the duty of those who are sensible 
of its departure^ to engage the attention of the Society to this 
subject f Is it not with us as a Society, as the Lord said 
through the mouth of his prophet : " For ray people have 
committed two evils : they have forsaken me, the Fountain 
of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cis- 
terns, that can hold no water" ? Can the Society labor ef- 
fectively until it shall have returned f Before entering into 
the field of labor " outside of our own membership," ought 
not our efibrts to be directed to the work within? This 
(purpose to go out to reform the world, before we have cor- 
rected our own batcltsliding), is one of the inconsistencies 
that the "Address" bears on its face, and must so strike 
the observant mind. Had it called the attention of our 
members to the departures among ourselves, and proposed 
some means whereby we might return to the faithfulness, 
energy and usefulness of the early Friends who endeavored 
to aid in raising the standard not only oi tho, loorld' s morality, 
but also of the world's religion ; had such been its purpose, 
it would, I think, meet with a favorable reception. Those 
sons of the morning promulgated a knowledge of the Truth, 
presenting to the world the glorious character of the Gospel 



254 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

eovenant which breathes " Glory to God in the highest, and 
on earth, peace, good will toward men." 

Could the ''Address" have presented the condition of our 
Society as living in the light of the blessed Gospel day, and 
bringing forth the fruits thereof; of being redeemed from 
the frailties of our human nature, and disentangled from the 
meshes of worldliness; then it might have invited us to 
enter into the broad field of the world's labor, and have 
been received with some measure of consideration. Certain 
it is, that but little in the work of enlightening the world 
around them can be expected of any society, or any people, 
who are themselves astray, and in the dark. 

We should place ourselves in a new position by calling 
into action for reforming others those who are not led by 
that which led the fathers of this people, and made them a 
light in the world. Their " faithfulness, energy and useful- 
ness" kided " by practical labor in raising the standard of the 
world's morality " on those lines which the Light pointed 
out to them, enabled them to spread the knowledge of re- 
ligious Truth. 

I am abundantly satisfied that "like causes will produce 
like effects :" and were the members of our religious Society 
to-day minding the light, and walking in the light, they 
would be a people zealous of good works. Some such there 
are in all parts of the heritage ; and wherever they are, they 
are found doing their duty. 

To present such an "Address" to the Society in its pres- 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 255 

ent condition is but to stir up a chaotic element composed 
of those who have not yet come under the forming power ; 
or, if under it, are not y^t formed ; and hence they are unac- 
quainted (except it may be with its beginnings) with that 
which has made righteous men and women " fruitful in the 
field of offering, and joyful in the house of prayer." 

The diversity of sentiment produced in our Yearly Meet- 
ing by the reading of the "Address," the different elements 
that it brought out, how some regarded it, and how it was 
viewed by others, made it very apparent that harmony of 
sentiment did not exist, and that unity of action was scarcely 
possible. 

To my own mind this effect (produced by the readinoj of 
the "Address") only manifests the state of the body, and 
shows that there are in the religious Society of Friends those 
who do not have to return, but who have not yet come to the 
knowledge of that which made the Society in its early day 
so bold, earnest and faithful in the promulgation of Truth 
and righteousness in the earth. 

Samuel J. Levick. 

1879. 



256 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 



OUR INDEBTEDNESS TO WORTHY ANCESTORS. 

[Addressed to the grandchildren of Charles Stokes, when 
assembled at the home of their grandfather, in Rancocas, 
I^. J., on the occasion of the sixty-fifth anniversary of his 
marriage. Tenth Month 15th, 1881.*] 

I am one of a younger generation, but it has been my 
privilege — and I regard it as a high one — ^to be acquainted 
with our dear friend, your grandfather, for a period of about 
forty-five years. 

Our acquaintance was made as I was approximating to 
manhood, when going around with my friend (known to 
most of this company), Joseph Parrish, Jr., of Burlington. 
Both Joseph and myself were interested in promoting the 
welfare of the colored people, and we occasionally visited 
one of their settlements called Timbuctoo, not far from this 



* Charles Stokes and Tacy Jarrett were married in Friends' Meeting-house, 
at Horsham, Penna., on the eighteenth of Tenth Month, 1816. In the later 
years of their life, it was their practice to have their descendants, and some 
invited friends, assemble at their home on the Seventh-day of the week which 
came nearest to the date of their marriage anniversary. The first of these re- 
unions was held in 1863, and the last, in 1881. The last jive occurred after 
the death of the beloved wife ; and in about four months after the last one, the 
husband also passed away. Tacy died in her ninety-second year, and Charles 
in, his ninety-first. They were both widely known, and much beloved. The 
last of these annual gatherings took place at the house of Charles Stokes, in 
Rancocas, N. J., and after dinner the company assembled in the parlor, where 
addresses were delivered by Charles Stokes, Eli K. Price, Samuel J. Levick, 
and Franklin T. Haines, M. D. 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 257 

place. On our journeyings to and fro we would stop and 
rest at the hospitable abode of our friends Charles and Tacy 
Stokes, who then lived on their farm. Then and there it 
was my privilege to listen to the words of counsel and wisdom 
from the lips of him at whose house we are now assembled. 

The impressions then made upon my youthful mind have 
not been effaced. As time has rolled on, we have been for 
many, many years brought closely together, being members 
of the same branch of the religious Society of Friends, and 
associated in committees of its annual assemblies. Such as- 
sociation teaches men, when convened for the consideration 
of the subjects presented, that there must be, yea, that there 
necessarily will he, diversity of sentiment, even where there 
is an entire honesty of intention ; but, while it has not al- 
ways been our lot to see eye to eye, I can say that the 
friendship, formed in my youthful days, for this patriarch, 
has never diminished; but, on the contrary, has waxed 
stronger as time has rolled on, and year has been added to 
year. 

As I have looked around, I have discovered that there 
are, among the living, only one or two persons, besides our 
dear Friend, who were members of the Select Yearly Meet- 
ing of friends in Philadelphia, when I was introduced into 
that body, nearly forty years ago. Thus is time hastening 
on in its flight, and ere long the places that have known 
us and the duties that have been assigned unto us will fall 
to the lot of others. 



258 ^ LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

When I look back at the course pursued by my dear 
aged friend— during alniost half a century — and remember 
his fidelity to duty, his firmness and integrity of purpose 
in the plain exemplification of that which he deemed right 
and proper to promote the welfare of the religious body 
that he had been appointed to represent — I have ever found 
that those proceedings in which he has concurred, the senti- 
ments which he has expressed, have been profitable unto 
me. I have received benefit from those evidences which 
have characterized his life. 

E'ow, what I desire for you who are to come after him is 
that you may derive instruction from his example ; that you 
may — as he has done — allow your hearts to come under the 
control, the government, of that wisdom which is from 
above ; that it may be your director in all things ; for, after 
all, though we may make use of all the means that the 
schools afford, in storing the mind with such knowledge as 
appertains to and fits us for life; yet to have our talents 
rightly directed, so that they may shine as our Creator, 
in conferring them upon us, designed they should, it is es- 
sential that we allow Him to be the Guide, the Director 
of our lives. Nothing short of this can qualify any man 
or woman properly to discharge all the duties that belong 
to this state of being; and my own experience confirms 
me in the belief that so far from taking from us any legiti- 
mate enjoyment, it is this and this alone that can prepare 
both heart and mind to enjoy all that is good in this life. 



THOUGHTS ON SPECIAL TOPICS. 259 

I feel, as does the friend [Eli K. Price] who preceded 
me, that it is a great privilege to be here to-day, mingling 
with friends whom I have long known, and whose names 
have descended to them from those who were steadfast in 
their love to God and to their country. How strikingly is 
this love exemplified in the life of our dear, aged friend ; 
not only in the discharge of his duties, but also in his build- 
ing on a sure foundation, and conforming his will to the 
conditions before presented. , 

If this land of ours that we all love shall continue to be 
a beacon light to the nations afar off"; if its glory is to re- 
main undiminished; if its star is to shine on with unceasing 
splendor; the men who are to guide it in the States, who 
are to be found in the legislative halls, its lawgivers and 
directors, must be governed by that principle, that power, 
to which I have alluded. 

When we look back and trace out the foundations of this 
Government, when we go back to the beginning and con- 
template the wisdom, and the high sense of justice of those 
men and women who crossed the Atlantic and landed at 
Burlington — your ancestors and mine — when we look back 
and see the fabric they reared when they vested the power 
of the Government in the people ; we discover that then 
and there it was that they gave forth, for that little colony, 
laws which had on them every impress of liberty, and which 
were for the good of all mankind, ^o man was to be in- 
carcerated — no matter how grave the charge against him — 



260 ■ LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LBVICK. 

without a trial before a jury of twelve of his neighbors; and 
the untrammeled right to worship Almighty God according 
to the dictates of his own conscience was secured to every 
one. 

"Thus they laid," writes one referring to their code, "a 
foundation for after ages to understand their liberties as 
men and Christians, that they may not be brought into 
bondage but by their own consent ; for they put the power 
in the people, Jhat is to say, to meet and choose one man 
for each proprietary who had subscribed to the concessions. 
All these were to meet as an assembly, to make and repeal 
laws, to choose a governor or a commissioner and twelve as- 
sistants to execute the laws during their pleasure, so that 
every man was capable to choose or be chosen." 

We have received these legacies from our fathers as the 
original laws of ISTew Jersey, and the name of William Penn 
is attached to those declarations and records as taking a 
prominent part in the settlement of this State, as he did in 
founding the province of Pennsylvania. Therefore if you 
desire to see those principles and liberties preserved, you 
must stand up for the right; and you must remember also, 
that there is not anythwg in the religion of your fathers that with- 
holds or relieves you from the discharge of your duties, both civil 
and political. 

Remember this, and be thankful that you spring from 
men who sacrificed all they held dear, even to their lives 
and liberties, in order to maintain the rights of man, and 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 261 

especially the great principle, that men should be permitted 
to worship God according to the dictates of their own con- 
sciences. 



CHAPTER VIII 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 



Account of a Religious Visit to Southeen Quarter axd its 
Branches, Performed in Eleventh Month, 1842. 

Believing it to be in the wisdom of God that his children 
should keep an account of his dealings with them, from 
time to time, I have made the following record. Those who 
are to come after us may find instruction and encouragement 
in going over the lines of our experience and seeing how 
tenderly the Most High deals with his children. They may 
also learn, not only that He has power to bring low, but also 
to exalt, and that now, as in days past, He will be " mouth 
and wisdom, tongue and utterance" to his dependent little 
ones 

I left home on the ninth of Eleventh Month, to attend 
the Meeting of Ministers and Elders of Abington Quarter. 
This was the first Select Quarter that I ever attended, and 
it pleased the Father of all our sure mercies to extend the 
overshadowing influence of his love over us, whereby we 
were baptized together into a oneness of feeling. Oh, may 



262 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

the disposition be more cultivated to gather into this in- 
ward, retired, state, in which alone we can have access unto 
our Creator, the only Fountain of light and life ! On the 
following day was held the General Quarterly Meeting, 
which was eminently favored, particularly the meeting for 
worship. Although there was but little said, the covering 
was very precious — ^yea, the silence, the feeling, was more 
precious than words. 

Having obtained, at our last Monthly Meeting, a minute 
to visit the meetings composing Southern Quarter, as wa}^ 
might open, I was, at Horsham (where the Quarterly Meet- 
ing was held), joined by my companion and dear friend, 
John G. Lester. We proceeded to Abington, where we 
met our friend and co-worker, Rowland Johnson, to whom 
a niinute had been granted by Abington Monthly Meeting 
to travel in the same field of labor. 

Thus we left Abington and proceeded to Philadelphia, 
where we remained over night at my father's. There 
seemed to be much interest and desire felt by my endeared 
parents for our spiritual welfare. On Seventh- day morning, 
the twelfth of the month, we went, with our horses and 
wagon on board the steamboat, which took us to Delaware 
Gity, and thei:^ce we drove to Appoquiuomink, arriving, 
before nightfall, at the house of our friend, John Alston. 
We found him alone, being a bachelor, and his housekeeper 
having left him, but we and our horses were well cared for. 

On First-day morning my mind was much bowed under 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 263 

a sense of the weightiness of our undertaking, and the earn- 
est breathing of my soul was, that the Father of our sure 
mercies would be pleased to remember his little ones^ — three 
young people — and keep us in the hollow of his Holy Hand ; 
that, by dwelling in the valley of humility, we might, in 
meeting and out of meeting, be kept as becomes the fol- 
lowers of the precious Son of God; that the lamb-like spirit 
might be our covering, so that, though required to be wise 
as serpents, we might also be harmless as doves. While 
dwelling under this concern, my spirit breathed forth the 
following secret aspiration, Oh, my God, may; Thou, who 
hast been pleased, in days past, to remember thy child, be 
pleased to be with him on this journey, keeping down every 
feeling and desire that has not its birth in thy kingdom! 
For thy cause's sake, oh, Lord, and for the honor and glory 
of thy ever-blessed name, let thy light shine around our 
path, that thereby we may be kept from straying— and 
unto Thee we will ascribe all glory, honor, thanksgiving 
and praise, now, henceforth and forevermore. 

Eleventh Month 13th. First-day.— Attended the meeting 
at Appoquinomink. For the place, it was a large gathering, 
and ability was furnished to proclaim the everlasting Word, 
although there appeared much coldness and apathy on tbe 
part of some. Brother Rowland was favored to speak to 
some spiritual states present, and the meeting closed sol- 
emnly and to our satisfaction. May all honor and glory be 
ascribed to Him who is forever worthy. 



264 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

In the afternoon we proceeded on our journey, and went 
as far as Michael Offlej's, near Smyrna, where we tarried 
over night. 

Second-day, the 14th. — We left M. O.'s early this morn- 
ing, and are now at Jabez Jenkins's, at Camden. Thus are 
we favored to proceed, relying on the Great Care-taker for 
help and instruction, believing that, as there is an abiding 
close to the gift, we shall be able to know and to keep our 
proper places. At Camden Monthly Meeting, we found 
that the wedge of gold and the Babylonish garment had 
been " hid in the earth in the midst of" Achan's tent, even 
the tents of some who compose this meeting. The call was 
extended that they should give up these hidden things, so 
that the people should not be detained. There were pres- 
ent a number of young people, and the Word of the Lord 
was to them in an especial manner calling unto them to 
submit their necks to the yoke and their backs to the bur- 
den, so that thereby a preparation might be experienced 
that would enable them to stand as testimony-bearers, yea, 
as standard-bearers of the great truth of the immediate 
teachings of the Father unto his creature, man, and of the 
sufficiency of this power of itself to lead and direct into all 
Ti'uth. 

Returned to J. J.'s to dine, and were occupied during the 
afternoon in obtaining information relative to our route ; 
also in writing letters. Previous to our departure we were 
favored to draw nigh together in a precious opportunity 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 265 

with the family, wherein the power of Truth was solemn- 
ized to some minds present, who were the younger mem- 
bers of the family. The wife and mother. Patience Jen- 
kins, is a precious Friend, being concerned for the advance- 
ment of Truth. Her spirit has been a source of strength to 
us on our journey. Oh, saith my soul, may all such be 
strengthened in, holding up the precious testimonies of 
Truth in this land, for few do we find among Friends who 
seem to have the cause sufficiently at heart ! We left this 
house with our spirits bowed unto the Father of mercies for 
thus condescending to be with his poor, dependent ones, 
enabling them to proclaim his precious Word. 

From Camden we went a short distance, to the home of 
Warner Mifflin, a son of the Warner Mifflin who, in his 
day, was a faithful servant of his Divine Master. Especially 
faithful was he in bearing his testimony against that great 
evil which then did, and which yet does, cover this land, 
even that system which makes man like unto the beast that 
perishes, a chattel to be bought and sold by his brother-man. 
Man, that was made but a little lower than the angels, 
crowned with glory and immortality, is subject to enslave- 
ment because he belongs to the African race. In traveling 
through this State, and finding the feeling that exists — even 
among members of the Society of Friends — toward this 
down-trodden people, my soul has mourned. The whites 
seem to look upon them as creatures made to labor, to be 
scolded and to be harshly treated. I am aware that much 
17 



266 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

depends on our environment, and hence I can understand 
how the effect of this system upon their neighbors, may 
have had its influence upon Friends. E'evertheless, I do be- 
lieve that, if a closer attention were paid to the Light that 
we profess to believe in, and to follow, there would be a 
coming out from many of the customs that cling to this 
institution. Oh, that my people might live alone, that Is- 
rael might come out from the abominations of the land, and 
be a people zealous of good works ! 

In this neighborhood I was bowed in spirit under a great 
weight of exercise, on account of one who was recently dis- 
owned from the Society of Friends for the use of ardent 
spirits. Oh, how my poor soul travailed for this man, who, 
in an outward sense, is a great person and is possessed of a 
vast fund of kn6wledge ! We had a religious opportunity 
mth him, in which we were favored to gather into silence, 
and power was given to speak the truth in much plainness. 
The lofty mind was humbled, the high spirit was brought 
down, and tears flowed from his eyes. Oh, may the Lord 
still continue this visitation of love to his soul, so that he 
may yet shine as a light in the firmament of celestial bright- 
ness. 

Being ready to leave Camden and its vicinity, we jour- 
neyed on to a place called Wheatleysburg, where we got 
something for ourselves and our horses to eat. Some of the 
country through which we passed is so desolate that the 
land is too poor to cultivate. We passed through several 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 267 

villao;es and at lens-th arrived at the house of William 
Maloney, where we were very kindly entertained. Next 
morning we rode twelve miles, to ^N'orth West Fork, and 
attended meeting held in a house that formerly belonged to 
the Nicholites, but for many years now it has been owned 
and occupied by Friends. A Monthly Meeting is held 
there. The meeting was small, only about thirty or forty 
persons present, but there seemed to be some life there, and 
I was, in much humility, favored to proclaim the ever- 
blessed Truth among them. The business meeting was 
held in joint session. After meeting we had a favored 
opportunity at the house of a Friend named Joshua N"oble, 
and then proceeded to Jacob Leverton's, where we lodged. 
His wife is a concerned, lively Friend, who, I believe, is 
earnestly engaged for the cause of Truth and righteousness. 
They labor under many difficulties and discouragements. 
They live seven miles from meeting, are in the decline of 
life, and Jacob is somewhat feeble. The environment of 
slavery exerts a very prejudicial influence in these parts 
against the cause of Trutli, as Friends' manners are, in a 
measure, conformed unto the system. Oh, that faithfulness 
were abode in against this crying evil that brings desola- 
tion, both spiritual and temporal, upon those who are con- 
cerned in it ! 

On Fifth-day morning we proceeded toward Third Haven, 
and arrived there in time for meeting. This meeting also 
is small, but as there was an abiding in the gift a qualifica- 



268 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

tion was experienced to bear my testimony to spiritual, 
silent worship, as the medium through which God com- 
munes with his rational creature, man. Ability was fur- 
nished to call the attention of the people to this testimony, 
feeling that, even among Friends, there is too little faith in 
this, the only true medium by which the Father can be 
worshipped. At this place we stopped at the house of a 
young couple where the wife is a member, and the husband 
interested in Friends. They seemed very glad to have us 
with them. After dinner we went with a Friend named 
Thomas Hopkins, to his house, where we lodged, and next 
day rode to the home of John E'orris, at Cecil. Much of 
the country through which we passed bears on it the ap- 
pearance of sterility. There were large fields some of which 
contained more than one hundred acres ; and, in some places 
the public road was obstructed by gates. Villages in this 
country are scarce : we stopped to feed our horses, at one 
called Church Hill, where we were met by a man under the 
influence of liquor, whose behavior toward us was very 
trying. Finding that we were Pennsylvanians, and taking it 
for granted that we were Abolitionists, he attacked us with 
abusive words, and defiantly declared that he would know 
our business. We abode in the quiet, and said not one word 
to him, except at parting, when we bade him farewell. Oh, 
how thankful I felt that we all kept quiet ; it was silence that 
preserved us, probably, from personal injury ! Thus have 
we been marvelously kept from the mouth of the lion, and 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 269 

the paw of the bear. Thence, we proceeded on our journey 
and arrived at John Morris's before sundown. After a toil- 
some day we were kindly made welcome by these Friends. 
The weather last night and to-day has undergone a great 
change, and it is now quite cold. In the morning we went 
to Monthly Meeting at Cecil, where a small company was 
gathered, and ability was furnished to preach the Gospel 
unto them. It was shown that the reason why their num- 
ber was so small, and there was so little life among them, 
was on account of their lack of faith, and for the want of 
abiding in and under the light of Christ. That with some 
there was too much dabbling in political strife, and that 
they were too busy about many things. It appeared that 
there were some who were sensible of it, and felt it to be 
so; yes, convinced I am that this is one of the causes of the 
prevailing dwarfishness among Friends, not only in these 
parts but elsewhere. Having so much to do with the world,- 
its ways and its forms, the desire for popularity and self- 
aggrandizement, has destroyed the life ; and having nothing 
else to stand on they are in a more helpless condition than 
any other people, thus proving that Ave cannot serve God 
and mammon. Other denominations of professing Christen- 
dom — not claiming that they wait for the power of Truth to 
direct them — can go forward in their work; and so we see 
a great deal of labor, and apparently many gathered. But, 
do we see by their fruits that there is a walking as Christ 
walked? Do we see that humility is the garment with 



270 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

which the members of the professing religious Church are 
clothed ? Do we see them abounding in the fruits of the 
spirit, love, joy, peace, holiness, loving their neighbors as 
themselves ; doing justly, loving mercy, and walking hum- 
bly before God and man? The daily lives — of many at 
least — will hardly give an affirmative answer to these queries. 
But the power of the ever-blessed Truth remains the same, 
and were we clothed with the same lamb-like spirit which 
characterized the blessed Master we should be qualified, as 
He was, to be faithful to our calling in doing the Lord's 
will. As this qualification is experienced, as men are faith- 
ful to that which has been made manifest; persuaded I am 
their lives will be useful, and their light will so shine that 
others, seeing their good fruits, will be led to glorify God, 
our Creator. This is what is wanting ; living faith ; and if 
we have even as much as may be comparable to a grain of 
mustard-seed, we may say unto this mountain, " Be thou 
removed, and be thou cast into the sea," and it shall be 
done. 

After meeting we returned to J. ^N'orris's, and then, in 
the afternoon, went to see Sarah Turner, widow of Joseph 
Turner, who was a minister of the Truth in this neighbor- 
hood. She is bright and lively, attends meeting regularly, 
and has her domestic concerns well regulated. The colored 
people living with her were well dressed and tidy ; a matter 
that is much neglected in these parts, even by some who 
make a profession of Christ. Children, small and large, 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 271 

bojs and girls who have to perform labor, are not supplied 
with good warm clothing; and I fear that some of them 
have not the same kind of food to eat as is served to their 
emplo^^ers. Now this is not in accordance with the religion 
of Jesus Christ, which I believe would lead us to treat and 
to feed our laborers as well as we do ourselves. We musl^ 
love mercy, and if we lack this we lack one of the essen- 
tials of the Christian character. 

Eleventh Month 20th. First-day. — Our meeting was 
large, and was attended by many professors of religion who 
were not of our denomination. There seemed to be great 
darkness in the minds of the people, and I had to arise with 
this language : " Darkness covers the earth, and gross dark- 
ness the people;" and why? for the reason that the people 
" love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are 
evil." Power was given to show whereof the darkness con- 
sisted, that it was because their dependence was outward ; 
that they were like the blind man formerly; but that there 
is a power now, that is able as it was in the days of Jesus 
upon earth — as there is faith in it, and willingness to be led 
by it — to open the blind eye, that has been closed by sin and 
transgression. They were told that the Gospel is not sec- 
tarian in its character, but that all sectarianism is opposed to 
the kingdom of Christ ; that we came among them not to 
call to any sect, but to the baptism of Christ; which was 
not an outward, elementary one, but an inward, spiritual 
one. There seemed to be a willingness to hear what we 



272 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

might have to communicate, and our testimonies were borne 
against all oppression, and against all war and violence as 
opposed to the peaceable kingdom of Christ. I was led to 
call them away from so much dependence on man, and to 
invite them to the fountain of Divine life. 
^ We took dinner at James Bowers's, and immediately 
after started for Chestertown, where a meeting had been 
appointed. There was a misunderstanding with regard to 
the time ; the meeting had been gathered about half an hour 
when we arrived. We were, however, favored to gather 
into silence, and my mind was soon clothed with feeling, 
and ability was furnished to proclaim to the people the ever- 
blessed truths of the Gospel. There were no Friends present, 
save the few that came along with us. Oh, how my mind 
was enlarged toward this company of strangers and how 
precious was the feeling that covered our spirits ! After 
meeting many of them seemed tender, and manifested much 
feeling. We were asked if we could not stay until evening, 
and preach again for them. We told them we could not 
stay, but that even if we should do so, we could not promise 
to preach for them. 

From this place we proceeded down to Chester IN'eck, and 
lodged at the house of one of our own members. Here we 
were favored to gather into silence, and the word of the 
Lord unto our host was, " Ye have made my Father's house 
— which should be a house of prayer — a den of thieves." In 
the morning we attended meeting, which proved to be the 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 273 

hardest and the coldest of any company that we have yet met 
with. The building is in a very dilapidated conditior^ the 
wall being cracked open several inches, from the roof to the 
floor; and a fire-place in one corner of the room was quite 
inadequate to warm it. The physical discomfort, however, 
could have been borne ; but the house was a true index to 
the minds of the people. I had to tell them, if it was 
words they were seeking for, we had not many for them ; 
but that they must make an acquaintance for themselves 
with God, their Creator. We were glad to return from this 
cold place, and after eating our dinner we rode to Center- 
ville, the county seat of Queen Anne's County, where we 
had a meeting in the Court House. This is a neighborhood 
in which there are no Friends, and we found it to be a 
priest-ridden, slave-holding community, and the sword of 
the Spirit had to be used, to the cutting asunder between 
the joints and the marrow, calling the attention of the people 
to the gross inconsistencies of the Christian Church, many 
of whose ministers, it is to be feared, preach for hire and 
divine for money, though the Gospel of Christ is a free 
Gospel, preached in the heart of every rational creature, ir- 
respective of color or clime. It was also presented to them 
that all wars and oppression stand opposed to the peaceable 
kingdom of Christ ; that slavery and injustice stand opposed 
to the peaceable and humane doctrines and practices of 
Jesus, who taught his disciples to do justly, to love mercy, 
and to walk humbly with God, as was said by the prophet 
Micah. 



274 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

After this meeting we rode seven miles to the house of 
our friend, Thomas Hopkins, where we were kindly cared 
for, and ourselves and our horses made comfortable after 
another hard day. Our friend, T. H., had made the ar- 
rangements for the meeting at the Court House, and after- 
wards piloted us to his own house. On Third-day morning 
we left this hospitable abode, and went to Third Haven, 
where we had a meeting in Friends' Meeting-house at eleven 
o'clock. This proved to be a verj^ satisfactory opportunity, 
and the language of encouragement was held out to the 
beloved youth. An invitation was extended, and the power 
of the ever-blessed Truth seemed to reign over all, to the 
humbling of our minds, and the contriting of our spirits 
before the Almighty power of God. Oh, may these dear 
ones be strengthened to give up all their beloveds, and to 
stand firm in the liberty of the children of God ! Oh, may 
the Father of all our sure mercies extend the overshadowing 
wing of his love to these, that thereby the waste places of 
our Zion shall be restored, and her walls built up ! We re- 
turned to 's to dine, and had some conversation with 

him relative to his holding slaves. He seemed tender on 
the subject, and disposed to do right. The afternoon was 
passed in writing letters in reply to those just received from 
home. Our families were all well, and seemed to be getting 
on comfortably. How thankful we should be to the great 
Care-taker for his superintending care over them and our- 
selves. 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 275 

In the evening we had a meeting at Easton, which was 
small, owing in part to there not having been sufficient 
attention paid to giving notice, leaving it to Friends, etc. 
On Fourth-day morning we started for the Trap, nine miles 
from Easton, in a neighborhood where there are some 
Friends. Here we had a meeting composed of Friends and 
others. It convened at eleven o'clock, in the IMethodist 
Meeting-house, and a very comfortable meeting it was. 
Truth rose into dominion, the weak were comforted, and 
unto the poor the Grospel was preached. We dined at the 
house of Daniel Bowers, a valued Friend who has been 
called to the ministi'y ; and who, I believe, if faithfulness is 
abode in, will stand firm for the testimonies of Truth, and 
be a shining light in his neighborhood. We also met, at 
this place, James Bartlett, who has appeared, vocally at 
times, in the assemblies of the people, and who is a shining 
light. 

We next proceeded to Cambridge Ferry, on the Choptank 
River, opposite to Cambridge. Leaving our horses and 
carriage at the Ferry, we took a sail-boat to go across, but 
owing to the calm we had to depend upon the oars with 
which the boat was provided. Arriving at Cambridge about 
sun-down, we found the house prepared, and at the ap- 
pointed hour quite a number of people gathered. It was 
the first Friends' meeting held at a house of worship in this 
place, and much prejudice exists in the minds of the people 
against " the Quakers." As we were favored to be fools in 



276 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

the eyes of some, but strong in the cause of Truth, ability 
was furnished to show up the inconsistencies of the Chris- 
tian Church, and the simplicity of the Truth as it is in 
Jesus. After meeting we were invited by some who were 
in attendance to go home with them to lodge ; but we felt 
most easy to return to our rooms at the tavern. Here sev- 
eral came in, and it was permitted us to open unto them 
our views on some points. We found much prejudice ex- 
isting in the minds of many against Friends; and they could 
scarcely believe that 2De were of that Society ; and thus it 
was our privilege to show them how greatly we had been 
misrepresented. Oh, how darkness covers the minds of the 
people in these parts! They are so blinded to the pure 
word of Divine life, that they look to their teachers^ and de- 
pend on them for instruction and for direction. Thus the 
blind lead the blind, and both fall into the ditch. 

Having cleared ourselves of this people, we returned to 
the ferry on the opposite shore. Our transit this time was 
very different from the one that we had the day before. In- 
stead of a calm surface, the wind had arisen, and the waves 
rolled high. The white-caps curled their crested heads over 
the blue waves. Our captain was an aged colored man who 
had been on this ferry for more than thirty years, and he 
took us safel}^ over, having gone into the mouth of a creek, 
and ascended it some distance before we could land. 

Being again in possession of our horses and carriage, we 
took the road and traveled nine or ten miles to James 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 277 

Maloney's, where we were kindly entertained, and, after 
passing several hours with the family, we proceeded on our 
journey. We crossed the Choptank River on a scow, and, 
on reaching the shallows near the shore, my companions 
were carried on the backs of the men, who, with bare feet 
and rolled pantaloons, V\^aded to the dry land. I rode out 
on one of the horses. Thus have we been enabled to get 
along through many difficulties, and now we find ourselves 
journeying homeward in the enjoyment of that peace which 
the worjd cannot give, neither can it take away. It was 
after nightfall when we arrived at Jonathan Twiford's, and 
we felt it comfortable to be in the society of such valuable 
Friends. The Avife, Elizabeth Twiford, is a minister in 
very good esteem. Both husband and wife are descendants 
of the ^icholites, and they are now far advanced in life and 
much enfeebled, but are resting in the hope of a glorious 
immortality. How encouraging it is to see those whose 
earthly lives are drawing to a close, abiding their time and 
waiting trustfully till their change shall come. Oh, how I 
desire that I may be found abiding in and under the same 
Almighty Power, so that, when done with time, I may 
have the blessed assurance of a happy immortality ! We 
remained with these Friends over night, and in the morn- 
ing attended Marshy Creek Meeting, and a precious meet- 
ing it was. The house was full, many of the company 
being of the Methodist persuasion, and the power of the 
Everlasting Word was proclaimed in their hearing to the 



27S LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

humbling of many minds. Oh, how comfortable it was to 
my mind to feel this precious influence ! It seemed as 
though I could not leave my seat, and the people also 
seemed to be much under this precious feeling. In the 
performance of our duty we had borne our testimonies 
against the great inconsistencies of the professing Christian 
Church, holding up the purity of true spiritual worship, as 
beautifully exemplified in the memorable interview of the 
woman of Samaria at Jacob's Well, showing that, as she 
was willing to leave all and to obey the command of the 
Divine Master, she became also a preacher of the Divine 
Word, and that on this rests the true qualification of a min- 
ister of the Gospel of Christ. This, and much more, was 
given to be^ held up to the people, and it seemed as if a 
door of entrance was opened into their hearts. Oh, saith 
my soul, that the Lord may pour of his Spirit on his sons 
and his daughters, so that they may know a qualification 
experienced to speak- boldly for the cause of the 'ever- 
blessed Truth. But this pouring will never be known nor 
felt only as we are willing to hearken to the still, small 
voice that has been known as a swift witness for Truth in 
each of our hearts. For thus it was that the holy men and 
women of old came to be mighty prophets and prophetesses 
in the land. 

It was thus that Moses became a deliverer of his breth- 
ren ; it was thus that Joseph was made the instrument in 
the saving of his father's house ; it was thus that Joshua 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 279 

was made willing to say, " Choose you this day whom ye 

will serve; but as for me and my house, we 

will serve the Lord;" it was through this that David was 
made a conqueror over the enemies of Israel, when, dis- 
carding Saul's armor, and with naught but a shepherd's 
sling and a few smooth stones chosen from the running 
stream, he slew the mighty Goliath of Gath; it was through 
this abiding and listening that Samuel, when but a child, 
was called to bear the Lord's testimonies unto his rebellious 
people ; and from him down to a Daniel and a Ruth and 
the many servants of the Lord, even down to his Son, 
Jesus Christ, who, though a Son, was obedient in all things. 
And now we are called to follow the same rule and to walk 
in the same way. By obedience to this rule, or law, Ste- 
phen was enabled to bear being stoned to death, and many 
of the Lord's dedicated servants in that day and since have 
been strengthened to endure much for the cause of Truth 
and righteousness, which they held to be more dear than 
their natural lives. And we find that the operation of this 
power was not confined to that primitive day, but that 
faithful subjects have been found in later times, for we see 
a Fox, a Penn, a Burrow, a Scott and many others, willing 
to suffer persecution for the cause of Truth, in their day. 

After this favored meeting we dined near the meeting- 
house with a Friend named Corkin, and then rode a few 
miles to Jonah Kelly's, where we stayed over night. Li 
the afternoon made a visit to a poor widow, whose husband 



280 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

had died very suddenly a few days before. How my heart 
was drawn into feeling for this lone one, who so lately had 
been enjoying the society of her youthful companion, with 
their first-born at their side, and now a widow, cast upon a 
cold and friendless world. The consolation of the Gospel 
was held out to her, and she was encouraged to put her 
trust in Him who is a husband to the widow, a father to 
the orphan and a comforter to all those who have been be- 
reft. She is not a Friend by profession, but we felt it our 
duty thus to visit her, and we were satisfied in so doing. 
The evening was occupied in a manner, I trust, to edifica- 
tion. 

On Seventh-day morning, the twenty-sixth, we rode five 
miles to I^orth West Fork Meeting. The meeting-house 
here was formerly owned by a people called N^icholites,* who 
were very plain and exemplary in their habits, and after the 
death of their founder they joined themselves to Friends. 
Here we had a large meeting, and Truth's power was 
known and felt. Thus have we cause to rejoice in the 
power of the Eternal Truth, that has so marvelously en- 
abled us, while among this people, to perform our duty, 
though, at times, in much weakness and bowedness of 
spirit. May all honor and praise be ascribed to Him who 
alone is worthy. After meeting we returned, by the road 
we came, to the house of a Friend who has an aged and 



* An interesting account of the Nicholites may be found in " F'riends' Mis- 
cellany," Vol. IV. 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 281 

greatly afflicted mother. She is quite feeble, and has ,lbr 
several years been suffering with a cancer of the eye. We 
had a very solemn and refreshing opportunity, in which we 
were favored with the renewed presence of the Master of 
Assemblies, who was pleased to tender our hearts and unite 
our spirits, so that we were enabled to give thanks and to 
ascribe praises unto Him who has been pleased to be wdth 
and to remember his little dependent ones. Surely this 
was a brook to the weary traveler on his Avay, surrounded 
as it is by trials and deep exercises. After this opportunity 
we retraced our steps to Nathan Corkins, where an evening 
meeting had been appointed, and a very memorable one it 
proved to be. There appeared to be nearly two hundred 
persons present, the sexes being about equally divided, and 
some of them had come from five to eight miles to attend 
the meeting. My mind was drawn into deep exercise and 
travail of spirit, and the blessed Master was pleased to be 
near and to cover us with his mantle. I arose, with the 
observation that, from the feeling that covered my mind, 
and from the precious covering which w^as spread over us, 
it was evident that the Great Shepherd was here in our 
very midst, that the people of Mneveh had repented at the 
preaching of Jonah, and that a greater than Jonah was here 
in our very midst; yes, standing among us, ready to teach 
and to direct his children in the way that they should go. 
My tongue seemed to be loosened by the power of Truth, 
and in a marvellous manner was ability furnished to pro- 
18 



282 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

claim the Word of the Lord among them. My companion 
also had acceptable service, and the meeting ended in good 
savor. 

We remained over night at Friend Corkin's, and in the 
morning, First-day, rode fourteen miles to the house of 
William Maloney, where we stopped and left our horses, and 
went on foot to Center Meeting. Although the weather was 
cold and windy, the house was soon full. Among those 
assembled were many people of color, and they were, most 
of them, well dressed and very orderly in their deportment. 
My mind was drawn to call attention to the day, it being 
what is termed by many of the professing Christian people 
the Sabbath day. I was abilitated to show, to the relief of 
my own mind, that the mere assembling of ourselves to- 
gether, or the mere abstaining from outward labor, never 
has been, and never can be, the keeping of the Lord's Sab- 
bath. The Sacred History gives evidence that, although 
thus kept with punctilious exactness, it did not please the 
Lord ; for behold, in time, the flood swallowed all, save 
righteous IS^oah and his family. I was led to show forth 
the views that we, as a people hold, that we should consider, 
not only one day in seven as holy, but that all are worthy of 
being so regarded, and that, before we can come to know a 
keeping of the true Sabbath of the Lord, we must know a 
cessation from all sin, from all our own willings and run- 
nings. 

After meeting we returned to the hospitable home of 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 283 

William Maloney, where we dined, and then proceeded on 
our journey. In the evening had a meeting appointed in a 
Methodist meeting-house at Denton, the county seat of 
Caroline County. Arriving at the place before dark, we 
put up our horses and had them fed, and we ourselves par- 
took of the hospitality of a kind young man and his wife, 
who did all in their power to make us comfortable. The 
meeting was a satisfactory one to me, evidence being fur- 
nished that there were minds willing to receive the truths 
that were declared in their hearing. Some Friends reside in 
the vicinity of this town, and there is a house near in w^hich 
they hold their meetings. We went home with Samuel 
Dunning, where we lodged and w^ere kindly entertained. 

Second-day, 28th. — We started this morning toward the 
Quarterly Meeting, which is to be held this week. Leaving 
the State of Maryland and entering Delaware, we traveled 
on till we arrived at Henry Cowgill's, where we dined, 
and then proceeded to Camden, where we stopped at the 
house of Isaac Dolby. All the household were very kind 
to us. Oh, it is a great privilege to enjoy that freedom 
which gives us a home-feeling at the houses of our friends, 
when we are wayfarers and far distant from our own homes ! 
Surely thus it should be, and were there more abiding at 
the Fountain of Divine life this feeling would be better 
known and more felt among us. Yea, we should be knit 
together by an indissoluble band which could not be sev- 
ered save by the hand of death. 



284 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Here we received letters from home, informing us of 
their being all well. Oh, how thankful we should be for 
the favors dispensed, and how willing we should be to 
spend and be spent in the ever-blessed cause of Truth and 
righteousness ! Mj heart overflows with gratitude unto 
the Author of my being for thus aiding us and providing 
us with all needful things. We have all had excellent 
health and have been favored to move along in harmony, so 
that I believe we can unite in saying it has been good for 
us to be here, for we have been strengthened together and 
united more and more in love to one another. 

Third-day, 29th. — Left Camden in the morning and pro- 
ceeded to Little Creek, where the Quarter is to be held, 
the Select Meeting being to-day. Here we met with our 
friend and elder brother in the Truth, George Truman, 
who is on a religious visit to the meetings composing this 
Quarter. He had good service here, and it appeared to be 
my duty to stir up Friends to increasing faithfulness. The 
meeting was a comfortable one, and the presence of the 
Great Head of the Church was felt and his power seemed 
to cover our minds. We were entertained at the house of 
Michael Offiey, Jr., where we tarried over night, and in 
the evening had a very comfortable sitting in the family. 
There were several young people present, and to one young 
woman, in particular, the Word of the Lord seemed to be 
directed, and her attention was called to the preparation 
that the clay undergoes before it is fitted for the use of the 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 285 

potter, then its being moulded into a vessel, and the various 
processes which it passes through — the drying and glazing 
and burning — were shown, as beautifully illustrative of the 
states which the mind has to undergo in being prepared as a 
vessel of honor in the Lord's house, and then, after all these 
processes have been passed through, it onl}^ stands ready for 
use. 

Fourth-day, Eleventh Month 30th. — This day attended the 
Southern Quarterly Meeting. The weather was very stormy, 
which occasioned much suffering for the poor horses, there 
being no sheds or shelter provided for them. Does not true 
religion teach us to be kind to all the creation, and is it not 
a truth that "a merciful man is merciful to his beast?" This 
was a favored meeting. Our friend, George Truman, was 
enabled to open and enlarge upon the Truths of the Gospel. 
We, too, endeavored to do our duty, and I felt my mind 
drawn, in a plain w^ay, to remind Friends of the duties they 
owed to their children, of bringing them to meeting, &c., 
and not only to their children, but to those they had the 
care of, regardless of the complexion; also, of being more 
careful of their cattle, not depending entirely upon boys or 
hired men, but giving attention to the matter themselves. 
For want of this care, I believe, much suffering is occa- 
sioned, and some poor animals die from lack of proper atten- 
tion. This is a matter that is too much neglected in these 
parts, and, if Friends are faithful in doing their duty to the 
dumb creation, they will set a good example to their neigh- 



286 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

bors. True religion is a vital principle, and its effects upon 
the individual will be seen and known by others. It will 
teach us justice, mercy, humanity, forbearance, brotherly 
kindness and charity. 

We returned to Manlove Hayes's, where we remained 
over night; next day attended the Youth's Meeting. This, 
also, was a favored time, and the stream of Divine love 
flowed freely, to the watering of many minds. Oh, it was 
a refreshing season ! The Word of the Lord was shown to 
be '' sharp, and sharper than a two-edged sword," etc. May 
all praise be ascribed unto Him who alone is worthy. After 
meeting we went to Sarah Cowgill's. She is a mother in 
our Israel, and, as she had been an intimate friend of my 
grand-parents, William and Susanna Levick, she gave me 
a short memoir of them, written by herself. 

In the evening we attended a meeting at Dover. It was 
appointed by George Truman, and was held in the State 
House. To* my mind, it was a favored time. I felt drawn 
into much exercise and travail of soul, and was led, in the 
early part of the meeting, to remind the people that God 
was to be worshipped, not only in houses erected for that 
express purpose, but that, an}- where and everywhere, when- 
ever the mind was brought into a state of humility and 
bowedness of soul, worship might be performed, and though 
we recommended and practised attending places for Divine 
worship, yet it was not necessary to go to these houses to 
hear the Gospel preached. The blessed Son of God showed 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 287 

this ill his character and in his labors among the peo[ile. 
The memorable Sermon on the Mount, wherein He pro- 
nounced the several beatitudes, was delivered, not in a 
gaudy church, so called, decked and adorned with velvet 
and fine paintings, and filled with the music of the organ. 
^o ! Upon the unchiseled rock He stood for his pulpit, 
with the blue vault of the heavens for his canopy, and with 
no other music than the winds, as they passed through the 
cedar and fir tree, and sweeping down the mountain side, 
carried to the assembled multitude the harmony of heaven's 
own temple. There stood the Man of I^azareth and pro- 
claimed those glorious truths, such as had never before 
fallen from human lips. And were thej^ human lips? Yes, 
they were a part of that body, human and Divine, on which 
had descended the Spirit, like a dove (the emblem of inno- 
cency and love); and thus qualified, He spake as never man 
spake, pronouncing the blessing of heaven on those who 
were found loving the Lord — bearing testimony 'to the pur- 
ity, the peaceableness of the dispensation which He came to 
usher in and to which He called the people. And- not only 
on the mountain, but on the briny deep stood the blessed 
Son of God, that meek and holy Lamb, and from those 
same lips declared the Truth to fallen man. Now let us 
compare these surroundings and this teaching with the 
costly edifices called churches and with the received opin- 
ions that abound in the professing Christian world. 

Thus was I abilitated to hold up the omnipotence and 



288 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

omnipresence of the Lord, his Spirit filling all space, like- 
wise the heart of man if willing to receive Him in the way 
of his coming. George followed, and was much favored in 
presenting to view the simple doctrines that we, as a people, 
hold. At the close of the meeting we felt satisfied with our 
labors, and parted with our dear friend George, he pursuing 
his journey one way, and we ours the other. We returned 
to Camden, and, on the following morning, in company 
with Isaac Dolby, started for Milford, where we arrived 
about noon. We stopped at the house of an ancient Friend, 
named Oliver, the only family of Friends residing in the 
place. In the evening we had a religious opportunity with 
this family, and, oh, what deep and trying seasons the poor 
soul has to pass through in these precious opportunities — 
for precious I have felt them to be, although under much 
sufiering! In this instance it appeared that the word of 
the Lord was to one who was not present with us, but 
whom I felt I could ahuost speak to, without seeing; and 
without any outward knowledge of his being in an adjoin- 
ing room, I felt that I would have him invited in. I found 
him there, and had to proclaim, in great fear and trembling, 
the mighty word of God unto him. The man is not a 
member of the Society of Friends. After this memorable 
opportunity we went to a meeting which (previous to our 
arrival in Milford) had been appointed for us, in the Meth- 
odist Meeting-house. There were many present, and, with 
some, there was much openness. To me it was a solemn 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 289 

and interesting time, for the influence of Divine love was 
felt to be over the assembly. The minister was very kind 
to us, but I felt much shut up when in his company, for I 
could not find much congeniality of feeling with him as re- 
gards true, vital religion, though he had been a birth-right 
member of the Society of Friends. 

On the following morning we left Milford, and before 
noon arrived at Camden, where we were again favored with 
letters from home, and were made thankful that our fami- 
lies were getting along so well in our absence. Surely the 
hand of the Lord is directing us, and He will not allow his 
dependent ones to want long, but He will satisfy them with 
living bread that comes from his holy habitation, and nour- 
ishes the soul up to everlasting life. This being First-day, 
we attended Camden meeting, and had expected to hold an 
appointed meeting at Dover in the afternoon or evening. 
But this expectation was not to be verified. At the meeting 
held in the State House on the previous Fifth-day evening, 
our friend, George Truman, in bearing his testimony against 
original sin, had used some expressions that the high pro- 
fessors did not like, and they denounced his doctrine by 
calling it hard names. Owing to the ill-feeling of these 
people, and to a want of faith on the part of Friends, we 
were prevented from having our meeting. But feeling that 
the burden did not rest upon ourselves, we passed on, and 
went to Little Creek that evening. On the day following 
we visited at the houses of several Friends, and were kindly 



290 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

cared for by our friend, John Cowgill. In the evening we 
attended a meeting at Leipsic, appointed for us in the Meth- 
odist meeting-house. My mind was led into a view^ of the 
true and only qualification of a Gospel minister, showing 
unto the people that the Spirit of the Lord, and this only, 
can qualify for so important a work and service, and that 
the minister must show forth, by his life and conversation, 
the purity of the Truth. After I had taken my seat there 
was much stilhiess and solemnity for a time, and then 

brother R arose, and, though the doctrines advanced 

were true of themselves, some of the hearers became dissat- 
isfied and left the house, so that the meeting did not end 
satisfactorily. 

On the following morning. Third-day, the sixth of Twelfth 
Month, we went to Smyrna and had a meeting, which was 
the smallest that we have attended since we left home. I 
had a short testimony to deliver for the encouragement of 
one or more to faithfulness in the duty assigned them, even 
though it may be greatly to the humbling of the creature, 
for this is the operation of the Truth, to humble the man 
and to exalt the Spirit of God in him. After dinner we 
rode twelve miles to Millington, where we had a meeting 
in a Friends' meeting-house, though the meeting has gone 
down for lack of members to attend it. We had a comfort- 
able sitting, and it ended in good savor. We tarried here 
over night, and in the morning started toward home, arriv- 
ing at John AUston's about noon, and having a meeting in 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 291 

the Methodist meeting-house at Middletown in the evening. 
This was our last meeting previous to getting to our homes, 
and in it we were renewedly favored to experience the over- 
shadowing influence of his power who has been pleased to 
be with us throughout our journey, strangers in a strange 
land. And here, at the close of our labors, the presence of 
this Power was felt to cover the assembly and to salute my 
own mind with the welcome language of "Well done, good 
and faithful servant, .... enter thou into the joy of 
thy Lord." My soul is filled with thankfulness for the 
preservation that we have experienced. It has, indeed, 
seemed marvelous, for oft-times I have had to use the 
battering-ram against their " enclosed cities," and yet have 
not been wounded by any of their spears, though I have 
had, many times, for the cause of Truth, to appear as a 
fool in the eyes of the people. And, now that our labors 
among these people are over, I can look back with a feeling 
of satisfaction that I have been with them, and I am fully 
assured that, if faithfulness is abode in, there will be raised 
up "judges as at the first, and counselors as at the begin- 
ning," who will build up the waste places of Zion and make 
whole the breaches in her walls. Oh, the joy my poor soul 
feels ! It is such as the world cannot give, neither can it 
take it away. Precious privilege ! It is worth ten-fold 
more toil and privation than have been ours to endure in 
obtaining it. 

We returned to J. Allston's, where we remained over 



292 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

night, and on Fifth-day morning left for home. In the 
evening, after a toilsome day's journey, we arrived at the 
village of Darby, Pa., and received a hearty welcome from 
our valued friends, John Andrews and family, with whom 
we stopped for the night; On Sixth-day morning we w^ent 
to Philadelphia, where I found my father's family not very 
well, but all glad to see us return. Even my dear little 
daughter seemed glad to see me, and I can trul}^ say the 
joy was mutual, for I feel her to be the closest object linked 
to my heart. Precious babe ! May heaven's protective 
wing be thy protection, and carry thee safely through this 
state of being. 

My companion, John C. Lester, had been separated from 
his family four weeks — a long time for him — and he was 
desirous to hasten homeward. I, too, wanted to see m}- 
home and my friends, so our stay at father's and with my 
dear babe, was quite short. In the afternoon we left the 
city and journeyed northw^ard to the home of Job Mather, 
the brother-in-law of my companion. Here it appeared as 
if, in truth, we were nearing home. Oh, wdiat a solace to 
the mind thus to meet with those who can enter into sym- 
pathy with us jn our trials and baptisms. Such I felt we 
met in this family, whose widowed mother has known by 
experience what it is to endure suffering, having been 
almost helpless for many years, yet bearing her affliction 
with much patience and resignation. 

On Seventh-day morning, the tenth of Twefth Month, 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 298 

we started for our homes, which we reached soon after 
nooD. My dear companion and myself found all well in 
our households, and very glad to embrace us in that love 
which emanateth from God, the Eternal Father of light 
and love. Truly, it is with gratitude that my soul is bowed 
unto Thee, oh, Lord, for thy providential care over thy 
child, in great degree preserving him from right-hand and 
from left-hand errors. And may the tribute of praise and 
thanksgiving be ascribed unto Thee, now, henceforth and 
forevermore. Amen ! 

[The foUoAving Epistle having its origin in a concern that 
impressed the mind of our friend after the foregoing jour- 
ney seems to belong, as a sequel, to his account of the visit.] 

An Epistle to North West Fork Monthly Meeting of 
Friends in Maryland. 

KiCHLAND, Penn'a, Fourth Month 2nd, 1843. 

Beloved Friends : — My mind has been often drawn toward 
you, since my return from your neighborhood, and par- 
ticularly has it been at this time, with fervent desires for 
your growth and preservation in spiritual things. 

And this growth that is spoken of, is it not from that of 
a child unto that of a young man, unto that of a strong man, 
even unto that of a pillar in the Lord's house that can go 
no more out? Ye who are fathers and mothers answer; 
for he who addresses you feels as a child. The growth of 
the Divine birth in the soul — this very important process 



294 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

which must he known to go on, bringing every thought and 
desire into subjection — is what should be most diligently 
sought after; and the Apostle Paul told the Galatians how 
it might be attained, also what course would not attain it, 
when he said "For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the 
flesh reap corruption ; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall 
of the Spirit reap life everlasting." 

E'ow this is the way, dearly beloved, wherein we must 
walk to win Christ, if our hearts have been united unto 
Him through the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost, and 
the Babe immaculate has been born in us — this is the way 
that He can grow, this is the way that He alone can have 
the government of our lives; by our not sowing unto the 
world those blessed gifts and endowments which a bountiful 
Father has blessed us with; but by using them as He de- 
signed they should be used. Are we not sowing to the 
world, when we use our endowments only in the advance- 
ment of its kingdoms, in the accumulation of its riches, in 
the love of its titles or of its applause, in conforming unto 
its customs, its fashions, or its religion ; and if we thus sow 
— thus use our talents — shall we not of the world reap cor- 
ruption ? But if, on the contrary, we use our abilities as 
they should be used, in visiting the widow and the father- 
less — all the afllicted — and keeping ourselves unspotted from 
the world ; in turning a deaf ear to the voice of the tempter, 
and being like Moses who — though brought up in the house 
of Pharaoh, and styled the son of Pharoah's daughter — pre- 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 295 

ferred " rather to suffer affliction with the people of God 
than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season :" — if we are 
thus willing rather to suffer with the Seed than to enjoy 
the pleasures of sin for a season (and they are poor at best, 
and only for a season) we shall know a growth in the Divine 
stature ; for by partaking of the pure milk of the word a 
strength will be given that will enable us to lay aside the 
sins that do so easily beset us — be these of whatever charac- 
ter they may — and to " press toward the mark for the prize 
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." 

Oh ! my dear friends, ye know not the tender solicitude, 
the love, that is felt for you by a brother who, although 
poor and weak, feels his heart to glow with love and fervent 
desires for your everlasting welfare ; you whom 1 address as 
children in the Truth — for I believe you feel yourselves as 
such — hold fast the profession of your faith without waver- 
ing; let not heights, depths, things present, or things to 
come, separate you from the love of God, and from " the 
w^ord of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give 
you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." 

Ye who have already turned from the world and its ways, 
look not back : remember Lot's wife, how she was trans- 
formed into a pillar of salt — comparable to a stationary state 
— for ye are fleeing from spiritual Sodom; ye have been 
called to flee from the destruction that awaits those who 
have shut their ears from hearing the voice of the Lord, 
and who are walking in wickedness, having their hands 



296 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

stained with oppression. These are robbing the poor of his 
wages, and keeping back the hire of the laborer, whose cries 
have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth; and ye are 
called upon to be faithful in bearing your testimony against 
their abominations, which are so grievous in the sight of 
the Lord. 

Ye travelers Zionward, continue to keep your eye single 
to the Captain of your souls' salvation, and — though there 
may be seasons of drought, of hunger and thirst, of storm 
and of calm — be not discouraged, even when your enemies 
may surround you as a host, and when there may appear to 
to be no way of deliverance. That Arm of Power that has 
been with you, will not forsake you in the hour of trial, or 
the time of affliction ; but will be present to give bread to 
the hungry and water to the thirsty ; and to say unto those 
of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not, for I the Lord am thy 
God, ''I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no 
Saviour." 

And ye who are fathers and mothers, strengthen the chil- 
dren ; take them by the hand and lead them along : comfort 
them in the hour of trial when their faith seems weak; 
and be ye helpmeets one to another, parents and children, 
brothers and sisters, all being concerned for the welfare of 
Zion, and for the restoration of her w^aste places. 

And, dear Friends, remember your tender offspring; 
neglect not to bring them with you to our solemn meet- 
ings ; and often at your own homes draw your families 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 297 

together for silent waiting on Almighty God. A blessing 
will attend such care, and the seal of Divine approval will 
rest upon your minds for your faithfulness toward your 
children. 

And forget not that those who are the children of others, 
but who have been placed under your care, are entitled to 
your oversight and instruction. Endeavor, therefore, to do 
your duty to these, and to bring them up in the nurture and 
admonition of the Lord, encouraging their attendance at 
your religious meetings, providing suitable clothing for them 
to wear when they come, and bear in mind that you are 
placed as stewards over them. 

If such be your concern ye will be neither barren nor un- 
fruitful, but abounding in the work of the Lord. 

With a salutation of love, I bid you farewell, and am 
your friend, 

Samuel J. Levick. 



Memoranda of a Journey to Salem Quarter and Some op its 

Branches. 

Second Month, 1844. 

Having had it on my mind to pay a religious visit to 
Friends and others within the limits of Salem Quarter, I 
laid the prospect before Friends of our Monthly Meeting, 
and received a minute of their unity and concurrence there- 
with. Having attended our Quarterly Meeting, I proceeded 
thence to Philadelphia to meet my friend, Thomas B. Long- 
19 



298 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

streth, who was to join me as companion in the service. As 
he was not expecting to leave the city until the following 
Third-day, and could not conveniently go sooner, I started 
alone, on Seventh-day afternoon, and went to Woodbury. 
Although a stranger at this place, I was kindly received at 
the home of Joseph Ogden, where I was entertained and 
from which I went to meeting on First-day morning. I felt 
a burden of spirit, and was abilitated to find a measure of 
relief. But the call was yet here, and, after weighing the 
matter, I felt most easy to appoint a meeting to be held 
here on Third-day evening. This appointment h-aving been 
made, I returned to the city on First-day afternoon, and 
arrived in time to attend the evening meeting at Cherry 
Street. It was a large gathering, and the power of Truth 
spread itself over the assembly, in which some were called 
to bear testimonies. I went to father's and remained till 
Third-day afternoon, when my companion joined me, and 
we proceeded to Woodbury, where we stopped at the house 
of our friend, William Cooper. The evening meeting was 
large, and, after we had sat awhile in silence, there was 
felt to be a cloud resting over us, but, in due time, it seemed 
to pass away, and then the power of Truth rose into domin- 
ion, and ability was furnished to proclaim the truths of the 
everlasting Gospel. The declaration of the Apostle Paul 
was held up to view, " When it pleased God to reveal in 
me his Son, Jesus Christ, I conferred not with flesh and 
blood, but gave up to the heavenly vision" — showing forth 



RELICxIOUS VISITS. 299 

that it must be the revelation of the Lord's will (which 
must be known and attended to) that can bring man to a 
knowledge of God ; that it w^as by his not conferring with 
flesh and blood that he was brought so fully to realize that, 
where I am there shall ye be also. An enlarged view was 
taken of the importance of obedience to the gift of God and 
to the revelation of his will. The meeting was favored with 
much solemnity, and broke up under the precious covering. 

Here we met with Anna Morris and her companions, 
Hannah I^orth and William Griscom, traveling under a 
concern, in the same field of labor as ourselves. 

Fourth-day, Second Month 14th. — Left Woodbury for 
Woodstown, arriving at the latter place in time for dinner. 
The Select Meeting of Salem Quarter was held in the after- 
noon, and there were evidences of life manifested among 
us. The meeting was composed chiefly of those in the elder 
walk, and my spirit was drawn into sympathy with them. 
It seemed to be my place to hold up to them the impor- 
tance of encouraging their children in the performance of 
duties that may rest upon them, so that there may be raised 
up "judges as at the first, and counselors as at the beginning," 
who will bear the burdens of the Church and carry forw^ard 
the glorious ensign of Truth and righteousness, high above 
all forms and ceremonies of a corrupt profession. Oh, how^ 
my spirit travails for the right training and advancement of 
the rising generation I Much, I believe, depends upon the 
care exercised by those who are parents, that they should 



300 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

be as 'nursing fathers and mothers, guarding their offspring 
from the snares and pitfalls that an artful enemy has laid to 
entrap them. Many are watching as with an eagle's eye, 
the conduct, the example, of those in the station of parents, 
for if these should stumble and fall, the cries of the children 
will go forth. Oh, dear fathers and mothers, lay these 
things closely to Pieart, examine carefully the ground upon 
which you stand ! See whether your example is of that 
character which says, in the line of conduct, follow us, as 
we follow Christ. 

Next day was the General Quarterly Meeting, which was 
large, and several strangers were in attendance. Testimo- 
nies to the truth of the Gospel were borne by exercised 
minds, and I, being privileged to remain mostly in silence, 
found it to be a season of renewal of strength. Just at the 
close of the first meeting I felt to encourage Friends to re- 
main still, and not to throw off the covering that had been 
spread over us, but rather to seek to know an increase of 
the solemnity, whereby ability might be experienced to 
transact the business of the Church in the fear of the Lord. 
In the second meeting my mind was led to hold up to 
Friends the importance of bringing those that are young 
early into usefulness; for the young man, like the young 
horse, if left to go without restraint until he has much age 
on his side, becomes hard to manage and not willing to 
come under the controlling influence of those who should 
leg-d and guide him. The young were encouraged to come 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 301 

under the restraining hand of Divine power early in life, 
whereby the yoke would become easier and the burden 
lighter to be borne than would be the case if not taken 
upon them until after the habits had been formed and the 
heart had grown obdurate. 

We stopped at the house of Josiah Davis, where we were 
kindly cared for. In the afternoon we went on to Perm's 
Neck, where we tarried over night with Samuel Holmes 
and his interesting family. We had a religious opportunity 
with them, in which it pleased the Father of all our sure 
mercies to bless and break his bread among us. The hearts 
of some of the young people were tendered and melted 
under this power, and they were encouraged to give up to 
his work and service in the morning of life. Next day we 
had an interesting meeting at Friends' meeting-house on 
the Neck. Ability was furnished to hold up the purity and 
excellence of the dispensation of the Gospel, and to encour- 
age Friends to faithfulness, although they were few in 
number and had no outward ministry; yet, as they were 
faithful, they would know a being fed with the heavenly 
manna — the Lord from heaven. 

We dined at Joseph Taylor's and then went, in company 
with Anna Morris and her companions, to Salem, stopping 
and taking supper at Joseph Bassett's. Our meeting at 
Salem was in the evening, and it was both large and inter- 
esting. Truth seeming to have the victory. I was led to 
declare the language of the prophet, who said, " Who is 



302 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

blind, but my servant ? or deaf, as my messenger tbat I 
sent," etc., showing forth the truth of the declaration that 
it was necessary that the Lord's servant should be deaf 
and blind to external circumstances, in order that the eye 
and ear might be opened by the operation of the Divine 
Spirit. That, after being thus opened, the eye must be 
blind to all sights save the view of the path of duty, and 
the ear must be deaf to all voices save that of the Most 
High, before the servant could minister to the wants of the 
people. Although the company w^as composed of a variety 
of classes, yet the meeting was orderly and solemn. We 
lodged at George M. Ward's, where we had the evidence 
that the feeling of Gospel love flowed unto us from the 
hearts of himself, wife and family. 

Seventh-day, Second Month 17th. — We left Salem about 
nine o'clock in the morning and proceeded to Alloway's 
Creek, where we were entertained at the house of our 
friend, Joseph Thompson. Here we met v/ith a dear sister, 
with whom my mind w^as brought into near sympathy, be- 
lieving that she had known something of deep baptisms and 
sufferings. I was led to hold out to her the language that 
was given me, even that she had been heard, and that the 
Lord was with her, and to encourage her to faithfulness in 
all things, believing that she has been and is faithful. 
Since the time of our visit I have heard that she has had 
many deep trials to endure, and that she has been called to 
the service of the ministry. May the Lord be her shield 



RELIGIOUS VISITS. 303 

and buckler, and may He keep her in the day and hour of 
trial. 

Our appointed meeting at this place was in the afternoon. 
Here we had to bear testimony against the love of the 
world, and the deceitfulness of riches, which, as they take 
possession of the mind, lessen our love for the cause of 
Truth and righteousness. Thence we proceeded to Green- 
wich Meeting, which we attended on First-day. In the after- 
noon crossed the river Cohansey, and attended an indulged 
meeting, where Truth rose into dominion and, I trust, the 
everlasting Gospel was preached to the comfort and encour- 
agement of some minds. Continuing on our journey, we 
had meetings at Bridgeton, Bucksbottom, Port Elizabeth, 
Penn's Creek, Cape May Island, Cape May Court House, 
Beesley's Point, and Tuckahoe. Some of these occasions 
were truh^ memorable as displays of Divine love and regard. 
Though many with whom we mingled were strangers to the 
Truth, as professed by us, yet we found an openness to re- 
ceive it, the minds being comparable to the parched ground 
which takes in the rain that descends upon it. From Tuck- 
ahoe we turned our faces homeward, attending the Monthly 
Meeting at Salem, and having an appointed meeting at 
Woodstown in the evening. Our next meeting was at 
Upper Greenwich, and in the evening of the same day we 
had one at Mullica Hill. Both of these evening meetings 
were very satisfactory, and the last one seemed to crown all. 

Here closed our labors on the present mission, and the 



304 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK, 

next morning found us wending our way homeward. When 
I reached my habitation I found all well, and doing well, so 
that I had renewed cause to return thanks unto my Heav- 
enly Parent for his great love and care over us, preserving 
our health and enabling me to return with the reward of 
peace. 

In Eighth Month of the same year I again went to Salem 
Quarter, and visited some of the above-mentioned places, 
mostly along or near the coast, and inhabited by those who 
are not Friends. This service, also, was attended with 
much peace, Samuel J. Levick. 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 305 



CHAPTER IX. 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 



Delivered Fifth Month 9th, 1869 — Place not given. 

I am rejoiced in spirit by the renewing evidence which is 
afforded in the congregation here assembled, that there 
exists in the human mind a desire for Truth. This desire 
is exemplified by the large number of those not of our fold, 
who have come to sit with us this morning. For we, as a 
people, oifer but little, so far as outward surroundings are 
presented, that is attractive to the natural man, who is look- 
ing outwardly ; who is seeking gratification for eye and ear, 
and entertainment for the intellect. As you are aware, 
there is not present with us the pictured window, the music 
of the organ, nor the trained voices of a choir ; nor is there 
any one here who has prepared a discourse for the occasion ; 
so far as such preparation is concerned we are all alike. We 
have come here to wait upon God, looking unto Him for 
instruction, and knowing, from our own experience, the truth 
of the Scripture declaration, "For w^here two or three are 
gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of 
them," we are willing to come together in his name, and 
wait for his teaching. 

We recognize, my friends, that there is no teacher com- 
parable to the Divine Teacher ; and if we are only willing 
to look to Him, to draw nigh unto Him, and to seek an ac- 
quaintance with Him, He will be found of us. At the same 
time we, as a people, have recognized that it has pleased 



306 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

God to qualify, from among those who have learned in his 
school, men and women to bear witness of what they them- 
selves have tasted of" the good word of life and the powers 
of the world to come." 

And what a high position does this people occupy, relig- 
iously, before men, by its profession of having bnt one pre- 
siding Power acknowledged, and that Power is Jesus Christ, 
the Head of the Church. 

When assembled, as we are this morning, there is no re- 
straint imposed upon any of our members, or upon any of 
those who may meet with us, save the restraint of Divine 
Love ; for we recognize that where this moves and operates 
upon the hearts of any who are thus gathered, whether it 
be the lisping babe, or the man strong in the knowledge of 
Truth — young or old, male or female, here we stand upon 
common ground ; so that if it please Grod to move the hearts 
of any, they are recognized as having the right to bear wit- 
ness to the Truth; to speak unto others the good things 
they have learned in the school of Christ. We invite all 
who have been thus moved to testify according to their meas- 
ure, whatever it may please God to give unto them. 

You see by this, beloved brethren and sisters, at least in 
a measure, wherein and how this people in their coming 
together for Divine w^orship, differ from all other professors 
of religion, for generally ministers are appointed, and none 
have the right to speak save him who has been intrusted 
with the duty. We think that this manner of assembling 
and waiting is in harmony with the practice of the early 
Christian Church ; whilst that generally prevailing among 
the professors of Christianitj^ to-day is more in keeping 
with the practices of the Jewish people, antecedent to the 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 307 

outward advent of Jesus Christ, ^ow, we know that the 
religious world — I do not refer to the Orientals, to the in- 
habitants of Africa, or to those of the isles afar off — save 
the Israelitish people, claim to be Christians; and however 
various may be their practices or forms of worship, all take the 
name of Christ. Has the matter ever been brought to your 
attention so as to cause you to reflect and to examine how 
far the present forms of worship comport with the teachings 
and the practices of the early Christian church ? Had the 
disciples of Jesus Christ their temples of religion as the peo- 
ple now have ? If so, did they enter into them in the man- 
ner and w^ith the forms that now prevail? Was it deemed 
requisite that a man should be qualified by scholastic attain- 
ments, by study and preparation,* to preach to the people 
understandingly ? When we turn to the record of the Old 
Testament, and learn of the practices of the Jewish Church, 
we find that there w^as an acknowledged priesthood, that tlie 
house of Levi held that rank, and that the priests received 
their portion, their titbes, from the people, for the discharge 
of those duties, which the office imposed upon them. Here 
we find the temple worship; here we find the singing men 
and singing women ; here we find the people collected 
together to hear the words that came from the priest. 

But is this acknowledged in the ^^ew Testament as the 
Christian religion ; or was it the great mission of Jesus 
Christ, the Son and Sent of the Father, to draw, to bring, 
to turn the minds of the people, /ro??i the temple worship, 
from outward ceremonies, from ritualism, and from all the 
various forms connected wnth the Jewish Church? Was it 
not his mission to turn, to draw, to bring the people home 
to the fountain of living water, as He declared to the woman 



308 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

of Samaria, when He asked her for water at Jacob's well ? 
But she ill her sectarian prejudice, was at once prepared to 
inquire of Him how it was that He, a Jew, should ask water 
of her who was a woman of Samaria. Jesus, in reply, said 
to her, " If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that 
saith to thee. Give me to drink, thou wouldst have asked of 
Him, and He would have given thee living water." 

The testimony which is given me to bear this morning, 
before this large assembly, is the great mission of Jesus 
Christ to the souls of the children of men, in his inward ap- 
pearance. And when we come truly to know and understand 
Him as the Son and Sent of the Father by our faith in Him; 
when we come to recognize Him, not only by the sight of 
the eye, and by the hearing of the ear ; but when we come 
to know Him for ourselves, then will we be ready to bear 
our testimony^ as did the woman at Jacob's well. 

And what was the testimony that Jesus brought unto 
her ? " Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst ao-ain, 
but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him 
shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall 
be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." 
It remains as true to-day as it was when He uttered it, that 
those who drink of the water that He gives them shall never 
thirst. 

Herein is the superior glory of the Christian covenant 
over any of the past covenants of God with man. Whilst 
the manna which God gave to Israel in their outward jour- 
ney furnished them food for the time, it had to be gathered 
every day ; but Jesus declared the character of his mission 
which He came to fulfill, when He said, "Your fathers did 
eat manna in the wilderness and are dead. This is the 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 309 

bread which cometh down from Heaven, that a man may 
eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came 
down from Heaven ; if any man eat of this bread, he shall 
live for ever; and the bread that I will give is ray flesh, 
which I will give for the life of the world." " I am the 
Bread of Life." 

Therefore is it, my beloved people, that I feel moved this 
morning, by the warmth of the Father's love, to stand before 
you, and to invite you to Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth, 
and the Life. I feel that there are now present many who 
might apply to themselves the language of the Psalmist, 
"As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my 
soul after thee, God." But you, like the woman at 
Jacob's well, have day after day been drawing water, and 
finding that it does not satisf}-. But there is offered unto 
the children of men, a day of great rejoicing, of great joy; 
for there is born unto them, in Bethlehem of Judea, a Sav- 
iour, Christ, the Lord. He is constant, and is now as ready 
as He ever has been to save; and He is calling to every sin- 
cere seeker, " Give me thy heart." 

This is the earnest appeal that is given forth from the 
source of all Goodness, and it is sounding from the river 
even to the ends of the earth, '* Give me thy heart ;" suffer 
me to rule there. Oh, that we were this very morning 
ready to do it ! There are those here who are hungering 
and thirsting, and who have not been satisfied ; they may 
belong to different persuasions — our own not excluded — 
and be of various classes ; for the name that we have to re- 
ligion is of little moment, it is the heart which God looketh 
at, for He is no respecter of persons ; "But in every nation 
he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness is accepted 



310 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

with Him." Blessed be God, his mercy is not limited by 
name or nation ; nor is it coniined to any kindred, tongue 
or people; but is free. for all human beings, wherever scat- 
tered over this habitable globe. Yea, throughout the uni- 
verse, wherever the glorious light of the sun shines, there is 
God. Wherever his rational creatures exist, there is the 
light of his presence shining into their hearts ; and if the}- 
are only willing to receive this light in the way of his de- 
signing, in the measure of grace given unto them, they shall 
know the way in which He would have them go, and know- 
ing it, they will walk therein. 

I am fully convinced that there is a vast body of people 
up and down the land, who are not satisfied with the prac- 
tices, the ceremonies and the teaching of religion in many 
of the churches. No, thej- are not satisfied, and it was not 
intended that these things should satisfy the cravings of the 
soul. The law which came by Moses was not intended to 
make the comers thereunto perfect, but it was to be unto them 
as a schoolmaster to bring them on ; and just so it is to-da3\ 
God's ways are as they ever have been ; there is nothing new, 
there is no other way given whereby we may come to a know- 
ledge of Divine Truth. There is one w^ay open to all, and of 
this way it is said, " The w^ayfaring men, though fools, shall 
not err therein." But, as it is with everything else, we must 
apply our hearts to it. We cannot expect to become learned 
in matters pertaining to God, if we pass away our time, from 
day to day, from week to week, from month to month, and 
from year to year, unconcerned with regard to things of a 
religious character. No, not at all. And yet how common 
it is for a man to feel that it is time enough for him to enter 
upon a life of religion. This is one reason why there are so 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 311 

many people in the world devoid of it. Another reason 
why the subject is so little understood by many is that they 
leave others to do the work for them — at least in a measure 
— and rest satisfied with the feeling, I will pay a learned 
man to do this work; he may examine the matter, and 
then come and tell me what to do, and I will do it. 

Is such religion in harmony with the teachings of Jesus 
Christ? Listen to Him, beloved friends, and hear his declara- 
tion, " If any man will come after me^ let him deny himself, 
and take up his cross daily and follow me." Is this in ac- 
cordance with much of what we hear at the present day ? 
Are men taught that they must do this work themselves — 
that no one else can do it for them ? That they must work 
out their own soul's salvation with fear and trembling? Are 
they taught that, if they would attain the end, they must 
start at the beginning? We know that it was no.cessary for 
every one of us, when we were children, to ]earn our 
A B C's, and, my friends, it is to-day just as necessary for 
us to learn the A B C of religion, if we would ever come 
into the knowledge of the Truth " as the truth is in Jesus." 

And what is the A B C of religion ? It is obedience. 
'' Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." 
^' Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be 
long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." 

This is the first commandment with promise, and it is as 
necessary to-day as it was when given through Moses, that 
all should understand and obey this injunction, if ever they 
would advance in the way of holiness. While the children 
should honor and obey their parents, we, w^ho are fathers 
and mothers, should exercise ourselves in training up our 
children " in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." 



312 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

This is a duty, for the discharge of which God, our Creator, 
will hold us responsible. We can make no excuse for any 
neglect in this particular, for the cares of the world are of 
secondary importance to this great duty. When w^e are 
entrusted with the keeping of an immortal soul that God has 
formed and that He desires should live with Him through- 
out the boundless ages of eternity, can we satisfy ourselves 
that anything else that we can do for that being is of as 
much importance as to train him ujp in the way he should go f 

God gives to every one who cometh to Him in Christ 
grace and strength to do his Avill. Every mother and every 
father now present, by appljdng to the Source of all good- 
ness, may be taught how to fulfill the trust committed to her 
and to him. 

Do you remember how, in olden times, God commanded 
the Israelites that they should write the law on the door- 
posts of their houses, teaching it unto their children ? "And 
ye shall teach them diligently unto your children, speaking 
of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou 
walkest by the way, when thou liest down and when thou 
risest up. .... And thou shalt write them upon the 
door-posts of thine house, and upon thy gates." And, to- 
day, this is binding on the Lord's. Israel. Oh ! is it any 
wonder that the young grow up in ignorance, when there 
is no care given to them in the instruction that is necessary 
for them ? 

Ah, my friends, what a solemn feeling comes with the 
thought, " Where are those lambs that were entrusted to 
thy keeping?" Do I see them walking in the way they 
should go ? Or do I see that they have strayed from my 
ways, and that they are wandering on the barren mountains 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 313 

and over the desolate plains? Fathers and mothers here 
assembled ! I would that every one of us who occupies the 
position of parent should be awakened to a solemn sense of 
the responsibility that attaches to fatherhood and to mother- 
hood, so that when we come to lie upon a death-bed, and to 
feel that our life is going out, we may have the conscious- 
ness that we have endeavored, yea, have labored^ to discharge 
these duties in the sight of God. Far better than the pos- 
session of wealth will it be for us in that solemn hour — 
though we may have less of worldly store to leave our chil- 
dren — to feel that we have led them, not to court earthly 
treasure, but to seek the riches which are incorruptible, 
and which fade not away. 

Now, the indebtedness and the obedience of children to 
their parents are strikingly typical of what we owe to our 
Heavenly Father. I desire that w^ should consider this, and 
then look on the other side, and see how far our care and 
oversight of them has been typical of the Good Father's 
watchfulness over us. Oh ! that we could feel our responsi- 
bility as parents, and our dependence upon the Great Parent, 
that Ave would obey his voice, and thus learn to do those things 
which belong unto our peace. I stand not here, this morning, 
as the advocate of any sect or people, or in the name of any 
party. Far from it. But I feel my heart moved by the love 
of Christ to invite all to come to Him, the fountain and 
source of all Truth. I desire that the young may begin 
aright, and may join in this blessed work, for I feel moved 
to invite you to come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. And 
now let me say to you, beloved young people, that He is not 
a hard Master. Do not for a moment think that He is. 
But, on the contrary, that He is a rich rewarder of all that 
20 



314 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

seek Him, if they seek aright. The Avise king said of wis- 
dom, " Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths 
are peace." And so you will find it with the ways of reli- 
gion and the paths of obedience. I have trodden in these 
paths in my early life, and have found them to lead to hap- 
piness. I stand before you a witness of this, for, before I 
had reached the age of my majority I found His cords draw- 
ing me, and they drew me into ways of pleasantness and 
into paths of peace. Therefore, my ardent desire for you is, 
that your feet may be turned into the narrow way ; that you 
may this day choose whom you will serve, and that your 
choice may be that of Joshua of old, " As for me and my 
house, we will serve the Lord." Oh, never, never will you 
regret this choice, for He will make you to lie down in 
green pastures. He will lead you beside the still waters, and 
his presence will prove to you a joy far exceeding all things 
else. Then you will rejoice in God your Saviour and be 
prepared to raise your voices in praise and thanksgiving 
to his great name. 

Look around and see the fields of labor. The sickle is being 
extended over the land, and the fields are white unto the 
harvest, but how few are the laborers. Oh, I feel within me 
this morning the drawing cords of Divine love, and I would 
to God I could awaken in you the desire to go hand in hand 
with Him. The command of our Saviour is preceded by an 
invitation and followed by a promise, " Come unto me all 

ye that labor and are heavy laden Take my 

yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly 
in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Oh, that 
you may have more of a sober and wise mind, that you may 
learn the things of God, believe in the Divine Teacher, and 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 315 

be led aright; so that, when hungry and thirsty souls shall 
come, there may be found some loving hearts that have 
been disciplined in the school of Christ, and that may 
strengthen these famishing ones by giving unto them the 
bread and the water of life. 

Remember it was unto those who had given bread to the 
hungry and water to the thirsty, and who had visited the 
sick, to w^hom was extended the welcome language, " Come, 
ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for 
you from the foundation of the world." 

Remember, also, that it was the testimony of our blessed 
Saviour, of Him who had come from the bosom, of the 
Father, " Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much 
fruit; so shall ye be my disciples." iN'ow the fruits of reli- 
gion are righteousness and joy in the Holy Ghost. 



Delivered in the City of Philadelphia, time and place 
NOT given. 

We meet to-day when it is popular to be called a Chris- 
tian. It was not so some eighteen or nineteen centuries ago, 
if we may judge by the records of the past, as we find them 
in the Holy Scriptures. Then the prominent and popular 
religion was Judaism, and those w^ho were willing to be 
called the disciples of Jesus Christ were looked upon by the 
great and the wise and the good (so esteemed) as having 
forsaken the religion of their fathers and gone after strange 
teachers, or a strange Teacher. We note that there had been, 
prior to the coming, or outward advent of Jesus Christ, a 
voice heard in the wilderness, John the Baptist, crying unto 



"316 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

the people, " Prepare ye the way of the Lord ; make his 
paths straight." And there were those who heard John, 
and they went " and were baptized of him in Jordan, con- 
fessing their sins." But John spoke of another, of One that 
was to come after him ; concerning whom he said, " I, in- 
deed, baptize you with water unto repentance, but He that 
cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not 
worthy to bear. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost 
and with fire, whose fan is in his hand, and He will thor- 
oughly purge the floor and gather his wheat into the gar- 
ner, but He will burn up the chaiFwith unquenchable fire." 
And we find, in the course of a short time, it canie to pass 
as John had declared ; for there came to this people another 
ambassador or prophet, even He of whom Moses in his day 
had spoken unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the 
Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto 
me. Him shall ye hear." But Moses himself was a leader 
of Judaism and was, in his time and in after-time, accounted 
the great leader whom God, by his power, had fitted and 
prepared for the service assigned him. He was an instru- 
ment in the Lord's hand, in bringing his people, Israel, out 
of the land of Egypt, for he led them forth, he went before 
them and, in the wisdom of God, he was appointed to lead 
the people from a land of darkness and oppression to the 
land of Canaan, the land of promise. We read of this great 
teacher, that, early in his mission, he could declare, " I will 
sing unto the Lord, for He hath triumphed gloriously. The 
horse and his rider hath He thrown into the sea." His 
prophetic vision could see afar oft' the coming of the Mes- 
siah, so beautifully referred to by Isaiah, " The Spirit of the 
Lord God is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 317 

to preach good tidings unto the meek. He hath sent me to 
bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the cap- 
tives and the opening of the prison to them that are bound ; 
to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of 
vengeance of our God ; to comfort all that mourn ; to ap- 
point unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them 
beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment 
of praise for the spirit of heaviness ; that they might be 
called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord that 
He might be glorified." This was the character of the mis- 
sion of Jesus Christ. He loas sent of God. What more 
forcible language could be used to bring to the view of the 
people his mission, than his own words, " To this end was I 
born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should 
bear witness unto the Truth." He was to perfect the work 
of God, to hold up before the people the way whereby they 
might be brought into the possession of the fullness of the 
love of God. This was his work. It is popular to-day to 
be called a Christian. But it is one thing to be so called^ and 
quite another to be possessed of Christianity. Our Lord 
himself pointed out the difference between professing to be, 
and being, a Christian. " i^ot every one that saith unto me, 
Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he 
that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." In 
the former days there were those who were ready to say, 
" Let us be called by thy name to take away our reproach." 
Beloved friends, I am not here to sit in judgment upon any 
of you. God forbid ! Such is not my mission. There is 
one who judgeth, and that is God. I view this interesting 
assembly here gathered as followers of Jesus Christ — no out- 
ward power held over them, no penalties attaching unto 



318 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

them for non-attendance ; when I look upon this company, 
composed, as it is, of men and women most of whom are 
past the meridian of life, I am impressed with the sense that 
you have not come here this morning merely to be found 
doing what is needed to maintain respectability in your 
neighborhood, but I am induced to believe that there are 
much higher motives which have prompted you to come and 
sit down with us, in silence, to wait upon the Lord. I believe 
that the Lord God Almighty, who is ever moving upon the 
hearts of the children of men everywhere, by his Holy Spirit, 
is touching your hearts and making you feel the touches of 
his love, accompanied with an earnest desire that you may 
be more steadfast in your purpose, more decided Christians. 
Yea, that there is something within you begetting a desire 
to be brought into possession of that which satisfies the soul. 
We receive you to worship with us without regard to out- 
ward relationship, whether you believe with this Society or 
not ; for in the feeling that prompted you to come here at 
this time I recognize the wonderful goodness of that Al- 
mighty Power that sees everything as it is, and that looks 
upon all his creatures everywhere only with the eye of love, 
the eye of pity. I am concerned, if possible, to awaken in 
you, more and more, a sense of the great importance of an 
acquaintance with God ; to assure you that He is open to the 
same inquiry that was made by the keeper of the prison to 
Paul and Silas, " What must I do to be saved V Aye, there 
is no thought which can enter into the heart of man so im- 
portant, so vital as this. No, none other. For, to my under- 
standing, that very thought of being saved, should form the 
great, the most important part of our concern in this life. 
Saved from what ? Why saved from and delivered out of 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 319 

that thraldom, that power which would lead us to do any- 
thing that is contrary to the will of God. For w^e know, 
beloved friends, that, while there is that within us which 
allows us to follow the beck or the call of another, and to 
turn aside from the Divine requirements, we need to be 
saved. How we should feel comforted when we remember 
that the love of God has exemplified itself unto the sons and 
daughters of men, in that He gave into the world his only 
begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, "that whosoever be- 
lieveth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 
l^ote the promise, " should not perish, but have everlasting 
life." I am a believer in this doctrine. I am a believer in the 
declaration recorded, for I recognize, " There is none other 
name under heaven given among men whereby we must be 
saved." 'No, my friends, none other name than his name, 
which exemplifies his power, "For it is written, As I live, 
saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue 
shall confess to God. So, then, every one of us shall give 
account of himself to God." 

Li thus bearing my testimony to you this morning, it is 
not that I have received it by tradition nor learned it in the 
schools of men, but I have felt it and realized it by the reve- 
lation of the power of God in my heart. For I know, from 
a measure of that love of which I have spoken, which spreads 
from river to river, from sea to sea, from ocean to ocean, to 
the uttermost parts of the earth, that that love has poured 
itself into my heart; that it has satisfied my desire; that, by 
the light of it, the things that w^ere obscure have been made 
plain ; and, standing here, I can bear my humble testimony 
to the power of this blessed Truth that " God so loved the 
world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever 



320 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting 
life.'J 

Bat I do not now speak of this everlasting life — nor do I 
believe that it was intended to be so presented — as if it were 
only attainable when the earthly life shall have ceased. Oh, 
no ; its great and grand glory is that it is vouchsafed unto 
us here, for it is here we need it, and here is where we ought 
to enjoy it, in the measure permitted to be enjoyed while in 
the body. 

Then let us, my beloved friends, be willing to hearken 
unto the voice of the Lord, for it comes to us in many ways. 
It speaks to us in the night; it comes to us as the heavenly 
messenger; it comes with the light of its own glory, inviting 
us to taste, see and thus know for ourselves that the Lord 
is good. Let us listen to this voice and follow it, for it is as 
essential to-day that we should follow our Lord and Master 
in spirit, as it was that the fishermen of Galilee should fol- 
low Him when in the body. ^N'othing short of a willingness 
on our part to do this can make us worthy to be numbered 
among the disciples of Jesus Christ. But mere assent, mere 
acknowledgment with the tongue, is not that which does the 
Avork. A correct belief, valuable as it is, does not make a 
Christian. We must know the child born, the Son given 
in us, and that the government of our lives rests upon his 
shoulders, before we can feel that we are saved. If we feel 
in our hearts the power of God to be our power, so that 
when we are tempted it will enable us to say to the tempter, 
" Get thee hence, Satan," then are we safe in the keeping of 
our Lord, " For, in that He himself hath suffered being- 
tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted." And 
this succor will be given to those, and those only, who are 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS.' 321 

willing to deny themselves, to take up their daily cross and 
follow Him. 

Our Heavenly Father comes as near to his children to-day 
as He has ever done, and He pours in the light of his pres- 
ence and power upon the sons and daughters of men as 
freely as He has done in any age of the world. 

It is amply sufficient for every one who is willing to be 
brought under the influence of that power, that light and 
that presence. Blessed be God, He so loved the world, and 
all that come into the world, that He gave his beloved Son 
for our salvation. 

My brethren and sisters, the .glory of our faith and the 
possession of it are worth more to you and to me and to 
mankind than anything else can be worth, because such an 
attainment is a victory over the things of this world, over 
all the powers of darkness. It lifts us to the position which 
Grod designed that every man should occupy. " If the Son, 
therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." 

Why should men be spending their time, the prime of 
their manhood, in working, striving, laboring night and day 
for that which, as we all know, perisheth? When we come 
to compare the transitoriness of the things of this world with 
the joy of possessing eternal life, is it not marvellous that 
intelligent men, the world over, should spend their strength, 
their manhood and all they have, in the pursuit of that 
which vanisheth like an ignis-fatims, which leads but to be- 
wilder, and which dazzles but to blind ? 

Look at the world to-day ; grasping, reaching out, over- 
reaching and toiling after riches which, after all, must perish. 
Such acquisition does not lift a man up in the sight of God, 
but often just the contrary. I would not apply this remark 



322 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

to what a man need possess, and what he may acquire by 
energy, by improvement, b}^ a proper exercise of the talents 
and the powers that have been bestowed upon him ; but 
when he devotes all his available time to the amassing of 
wealth, and in doing so loses sight of the great work of 
making his " calling and election sure" — what is his life but 
a blank in comparison with what it ought to be ? 

Only contemplate for a moment, every heart here tilled 
with the power of the Holy Ghost ! What a power ! it would 
go out in all directions, in the inviting language, come 
brother, come sister, " Come ye, and let us go up to the 
mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob ; 
and He will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his 
paths ; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word 
of the Lord from Jerusalem." 

When we consider how much we already possess, not only 
of material wealth, but also of talent and opportunity, and the 
blessings that have been poured out upon us ; and then realize 
how much more we might do, than we are doing, to smooth 
down the asperities of life — I feel that these thoughts should 
drive away sectarianism, where it exists; for that spirit fre- 
quently produces controversy and hatred, and when these 
take possession of a man, they make him narrow-minded, 
and — according to his opportunity — a persecutor. This was 
exemplified in the treatment given to our Saviour, who was 
persecuted because his teachings diftered from those of the 
priests who were established in their sectarianism, and who 
hated the new doctrine which He taught. But what could 
they say ? for He had exemplified his power by his works. 
He had opened the eyes of the blind, had made the deaf to 
hear, and, in their very sight had the sick been restored to 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 323 

health. This evidence, with that of the five barley loaves, 
and the two small fishes, manifested to the people the power 
of the living God in him ; for He showed by his works, and 
testified by his words, that He did not speak for himself, 
or act by his own power. " I can of mine own self do no- 
thing; as I hear I judge, and my judgment is just; because 
I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father which 
hath sent me." With all this evidence multiplied again and 
again, the chief priests conspired to take his life, even when 
the secular ruler would have spared Him. I would rather 
fall into the hands of any other class to be judged, than into 
those of a sectarian believer. What darkness covers that 
mind which is under the thick vail of sectarianism ! Re- 
member how it was with those Jews, when Pilate wanted 
to release Jesus, for he found no fault in Him. The 
people, urged by the priests, cried out, release unto us Bar- 
abbas. And why did these priests object to having Jesus 
released? Was it not because the}' were fearful that his 
preaching, together with the miracles He had performed, 
would take away their power from the Sanhedrim, draw aw^ay 
the worshippers from the temple, and cause them to lose 
their influence? Do we think there is nothing of this kind 
in the world now? Until a man is willing to come under 
the government of God, until he is made to believe, until he 
is willing to deny himself, and take up his daily cross and fol- 
low the Lord Jesus Christ, he does act out this kind of spirit. 
The natural man is selfish and oppressive ; he loves his oicn 
way more than he loves God. It is terrible to behold, when 
we cast our eyes about us, and see what has been done in 
the name of religion. I do not marvel that men are turned 
away from coming to know, and to listen to religion, when 



324 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

they have looked at the actions of many who profess, and of 
some who teach it. But when you want to see portrayed 
the character of true religion^ turn and look at the teachings 
of Jesus Christ. The light that He exemplified was the light 
of the Father ; He was of the Most High Grod ; born not 
of the corruptible, but of the incorruptible ; He and his 
Father being one. 

^ow, my Friends, I want you to understand that that 
same Almighty Power is here this morning, ready to con- 
fer this work, this love, this power, upon you; to give you 
in time a sufficiency of it to enable you to work out your 
soul's salvation with fear and trembling. And I tell you 
there is no other way by which you can obtain this than by 
taking hold of Jesus Christ, by hearkening unto the voice of 
God ; by bringing yourselves, even as the Virgin Mary 
brought herself, under submission to the power of the High- 
est. When you do this, saying in your hearts, " Be it unto 
me according to thy word," then will the Almighty Power 
of God be exemplified in you ; you will know the child born 
in you ; you will know the government of your lives to rest 
upon his shoulders, and that He is the Counselor and the 
Prince of Peace, who will destroy all enmity between you 
and your God ; and you will experience that peace of which 
Jesus said, " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto 
you ; not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not 
your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

It is the desire of my heart to have an increase of this 
kind of religion ; to have more Christians ; and I should be 
willing to be spent if I could persuade my brethren ever}'- 
where to listen to the invitation of the Saviour himself, 
" Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 325 

I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of 
me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest 
unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is 
light." Our God Avills not the death of any, nor that any 
should perish, but that all should return, repent and live. 
Remember this, my friends, all ye that are heavy laden. 
Oh ! could some who are here this morning realize the joys 
of Heaven, and the peace which fills the heart that is pre- 
pared to receive it ; even the peace of God — you would be 
willing to part with everything you have, and to say take it 
all ; only give me that peace which I crave. Turn over the 
pages of Holy Scripture ; read the various illustrations there 
in the book of Job. How striking and how beautiful they 
are, when realized and brought home to our individual ex- 
perience. " I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear; 
but now my eye seeth thee; wherefore I abhor myself, and 
repent in dust and ashes." Such, my beloved friends, will 
be our acknowledgments, when we bow and submit our- 
selves to the living God. Then his glorious light and power 
shall come shining around about us, and we can in truth 
say, " Now mine eye seeth thee." And let us remember 
that after Job's afiiictions, the blessings of the Lord were 
multiplied unto him, and his last days were his best days. 

Such is the character of the Christian religion, and a glo- 
rious one it is. 

And this land — the land of our birth — great and pow^erful 
as it is, may, by our submitting to his will, and following 
his leadings, become an earthly kingdom of our Lord and 
of his Christ ; for when righteousness shall have spread its 
panoply over the hearts of the people, the beams of the ris- 
ing sun will penetrate the dark recesses of sin and selfish- 
ness, and the name of the Lord will be extolled everywhere. 



326 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 



A Discourse delivered in Cherry Street (end of) Meeting 
House, Philadelphia, on First-day Morning of the Yearly 
Meeting week, 1883. 

The religious Society of Friends — of which we form a 
part — do not profess to be the followers of any man, but we 
do claim that we are called upon to present the Truth as it 
in Jesus Christ. We deem it our duty thus to present it ; 
and while Ave do not ignore God's love and care to the chil- 
dren of men, as they are shown unto us on the pages of the 
Old Testament, it is the glory of the New that we have felt 
to be our mission to revive, in the simplicity and spirituality 
of the Truth as it is in our Lord Jesus Christ; in his birth, his 
life, his work, his death and his resurrection. We believe, 
as we reverently read the iN'ew Testament, that in the record 
there presented, in the incidents there narrated, we have wit- 
ness to show how the work of God is to be perfected in the 
heart of man. For, as our Lord declared to the woman at 
Jacob's well, so we also declare that God is a Spirit, and they 
that w^orship Him acceptably must woFship Him in spirit and 
in truth ; that it was not the purpose of Jesus Christ in his 
outward advent, to decry or to destroy the work that had 
gone before Him ; that it was not his mission to speak lightly 
of the covenant which God had made with his people afore- 
time; for it pleased God in his love to select, in the ages 
past, servants for the ushering in of the light, even as the 
light of the sun is ushered in by the dawn on the horizon. 
So, by the rising of the Sun of Kighteousness, the darkness 
was to be dispelled ; when there would be no more need of 
ministering priests as teachers and guides, no need of look- 
ing for the law written upon tables of stone, but they were 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 327 

to realize the truth of the doctrine which had never before 
been so presented to the people — That which was to be knovm 
of God was to be made manifest in the hearts of men. What a 
perfect manifestation of God's love we have in the plain 
though comprehensive declaration of the prophet Jeremiah, 
" The days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new 
covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of 
Judah ; not according to the covenant that I made with 
their fathers, in the day when I took them by the hand to 
lead them out of the land of Egypt ; because they continued 
not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the 
Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the 
house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord ; I will put 
my laws into their mind and write them in their hearts, 
and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a peo- 
ple ; and they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and 
every man his brother, saying. Know the Lord; for all shall 
know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be mer- 
ciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their ini- 
quities will I remember no more." 

What a potent thought is this ; but is it embodied as it 
should be in the teaching of to-day ? Is this the thought 
that is being spread out before the people everywhere ? Even 
though, according to history, we are living in the nineteenth 
century, we look around, and what evidence do we see of 
the growth of the great doctrine which was presented to the 
world by our Lord Jesus Christ; the temple is here and 
the temple is there ; and the priest still ministers at the altar. 
Is this in accord, beloved friends, with the teaching of 
Jesus Christ? Was it not rather his mission to brino; the 
work of God home to every heart? Was it not his purpose 



,328 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

to call the attention of the people to the word nigh them? 
Even as the apostle declares concerning the righteousness 
which is of faith, that it speaketh on this wise, " The word 
is nigh thee, even in thj mouth and in thy heart : that is, 
the word of faith, which we preach.'- This is the faith that 
the people of God, who are called Friends, have ever taught, 
and when they depart from this great thought they turn from 
the faith of their fathers. It was because the early Friends 
proclaimed this truth in a dark age, that they suffered per- 
secutions; aye, persecutions without number. It was be- 
cause they presented it unto the people that anathemas were 
hurled at them, and the priests in their pulpits cried out 
against them, and said, " Cursed be the people that say, 
'The Light of Christ is sufficient;' and let all the people 
say. Amen !" 

Doubtless there are many here this morning — individual 
minds whose training has been in another school than the 
one in Which many of us have been trained — who have had 
stamped upon their early lives the idea that religion, and es- 
pecially the religion of Jesus Christ, consisted of a long 
train of articles of belief; and here, in this declaration of 
our Lord, the whole. matter is made so plain that even a 
child may understand it; " !N'ot every one that saith unto 
me. Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven ; 
but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heav- 
en." What a far-reaching thought this presents to us to- 
day., No matter what our condition in life, whether in- 
structed in the things which have been of old, or not; here 
is the whole summing up of the character of the religion of 
Jesus Christ; and this is what we desire to present to the 
people in our words and by our practice. It covers the 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 329 

whole ground. Is there anything more to be desired, than 
to enjoy our Heavenly Father's kingdom and government? 
Is not this a great matter to every one here this morning ? 
Is there anything that we can desire more than to he citizens 
of his government ? We are then as those who have no other 
need, neither do they need the light of the sun nor of the 
moon, for the glory of God doth lighten it, " and the Lamb 
is the light thereof;" a light that dispels all darkness, that 
makes plain the path, so that none have occasion at all to 
stumble. We are alike interested in this great work, each 
and every one of us here this morning ; and as the Master 
said in addressing his little company, so do I feel it in my 
heart to say unto you, " Fear not, little flock ; for it is your 
Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Yea, to 
give it to his children the world over, wherever they are 
found willing to seek Him, and to obey his commandments ; 
willing to regard everything else as secondary, that thej^ may 
be numbered among his children. Can we conceive any- 
thing of more vital import than the relation of man unto his 
Maker: the position that has been assigned him in this 
world ? IVTiat is offered unto all of us here ? The Master, 
in speaking unto the people, said, " Take my yoke upon you 
and learn of me ; for I am meek and lowly in heart ; and ye 
shall find rest unto your souls." 

Do we believe this promise ? Are we looking for its ful- 
fillment here ? Or, are our minds still so clouded and ham- 
pered by the effects of education and tradition, that we are 
not looking for the glory of the kingdom of heaven here ? 
Do we believe it possible, in the nature of things, for us to 
enjoy the glory here ? 

When I turn over the pages of Holy Scripture, and Tead 
21 



330 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

the teaching of Jesus Christ therein presented to my under- 
standing, the idea is clear to my mind that his mission was 
to declare that the kingdom of God is already in every man, 
and that all we need to know or to learn is, What is his 
pleasure ? The reason why we do not know his will, his 
pleasure, and that his kingdom is within us, is, that dark- 
ness still covers our minds. It is because the glorious day 
has not yet dawned, although we may view it as afar off. A 
mountain in the moonlight, outlined in beauty, may seem 
to be a great way off, but when the sun ascends and floods 
it with light, we see how near it is. Even so it is with the 
Sun of Righteousness. It so clears our vision that we are 
ready to join in the anthem, ^' Great and marvellous are thy 
works. Lord God Almighty. Just and true are thy ways, 
thou King of Saints !" Then we feel the influence of the 
Spirit, and, as in the far-off distance, seem to hear the ho- 
sannas of the great multitude which John saw in the vision, 
saying, " Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, 
and unto the Lamb." 

And, dear friends, to whom my heart goes forth in that 
love which knows no measure, I would that we strive, as 
well as desire, to become inhabitants of this glorious city, 
that we may come to know for ourselves that the Lord 
liveth, and that, because He lives, we live also ; that we 
have known our robes to be made white in the blood of the 
Lamb. We are not ashamed of our faith, for there is nothing- 
new in it — it is unanswerably the Truth of God. There were 
many thousands who were ransomed and redeemed. And 
how were they redeemed ? Was it not by that power, that 
love which God hath given for the ransom of all mankind. 
" For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 331 

Son, that whosoever would believe in Him should not per- 
ish, but should have everlasting life." Go back to the time 
of the Apostles — men like ourselves — and read their testi- 
mony as to how they were delivered ; then turn to the Old 
Testament, and you may find where Moses sang, " He found 
him in a desert land, and in the waste, howling wilderness ; 
He led him about, He instructed him. He kept him as the 
apple of his eye;" and where the Psalmist gives his own 
experience, " He brought me up, also, out of a horrible pit, 
out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock and estab- 
lished my goings. And He hath put a new song in my 
mouth, even praise unto our God. Many shall see it, and 
fear, and shall trust in the Lord." Such are the songs of 
the ransomed and redeemed of the Lord. But we cannot 
bring ourselves up. God has not given unto man, naturally, 
the ability to deliver himself from the power of sin, but we do 
believe that men can be saved, and that the power which 
saves is oifered freely unto all men, without money and 
without price; that the love of God for his creature, man, 
whom He made in his own image, is such that He wills not 
that any should perish, but that all should return, repent and 
live. 

Let us not be understood here as presenting the thought 
that that Son, that Saving Power, was only known to the 
world nineteen hundred years ago. No, my brethren, God's 
love for man has been the same from the beginning, and the 
blessed Jesus himself said to the Jews, " Before Abraham 
was, I AM." The Most High, speaking to Moses, said, " I 
AM that I AM," and He said, " Thus shalt thou say unto 
the children of Israel, " I AM hath sent me." 

It is only sin which separates us from God. So, if there 



332 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

are any here who feel that their sins and ini(}nitie.s are to- 
day separating them from their God, let me say to such, 
the way is open; for do we not lind it recorded, " Though 
your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow ; though 
they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." There 
must be a condition attained which recognizes the power of 
God, open to any man, to put away evil. This is the first 
step, " Cease to do evil," and know ye that, as ye ask aright, 
grace will be given unto you for all your needs. 

The second step is, " Learn to do well," and, " though 
your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; 
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." So 
the covering or hiding or blotting out of sin does not rest 
with ourselves, but with the merciful God, whose love is so 
great that, with the Prodigal Son, we may approach Him 
and say, " Father, I have sinned against heaven and before 
thee." But why should it be so necessary to speak of this 
part of the subject? How much more comforting is it to 
refer to the goodness of God, to speak of his love, of his bless- 
ing, to tell how He blesses his children, to say that his blessing 
is with us every morning, and that He never turns any away. 
I love to speak of the Truth, presenting — unto the young 
especially — the goodness of God and his love; that He never 
turns a deaf ear, but is ever ready to hear; that his love is 
ever going out to his people, and that He preserves them in 
the hollow of his hand. If we go away, it is our going away, 
for He does not drive any away. He never imposes anything 
upon his children, beyond what is for their good. 

I want to encourage you to turn away from the gratifica- 
tion of any wrong desires that come springing up in the 
human heart. Prefer rather to live by his love ; prefer to 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 333 

walk in the narrow path that He hath marked out for his 
children, and you will then " grow in grace and in the knowl- 
edge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Then will you 
perceive that the pathway marked out for you is a bright 
one. You will come to see its loveliness, to be introduced 
into the association of the children of God and counted 
worthy to be numbered among them. Thus you will come 
to realize the pleasant paths of the Christian, come to realize 
religious thought growing in your minds and filling them 
with " the peace of God, which passeth all understanding," 
come to experience that " a day" — yea, even an hour — " in 
his courts is better than a thousand." Then will you desire 
more than aught else to be numbered among his children. 
Then you will love all who suffer and will feel the mantle of 
charity covering your spirit — a feeling that will cause you 
to look upon the poor sinner with an eye of pity rather than 
of censure. Then will you find that your greatest joy is in 
the house of the Lord, waiting upon his precious word and 
being permitted to adopt the prayer taught by our blessed 
Saviour : 

" Our Father which art in heaven. Hallowed be th}^ name. 
Thy kingdom come. Thy Avill be done in earth, as it is in 
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us 
our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into 
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the king- 
dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen." 



334 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 



Delivered at Friends' Meeting-House, Girard Avenue, 
Philadelphia, Sixth Month 17th, 1883. 

We have met here this morning for the important purpose 
of waiting upon Almighty God, the Author of our being, to 
Avhom we owe all our blessings. It is well for us thus to 
present our bodies. It is well for us thus to come together, 
to wait upon Him, for He remains to be the Teacher of his 
people himself, and, possessing all power, He sees and knows 
us just as we are. It is one of the greatest blessings that 
He has conferred upon the children of men, that He is the 
Teacher of his people himself; that, to-day. He dispenses 
milk to babes and meat to strong men. It is thus that all 
are ministered unto. As the wise parent discriminates in 
the character of the food to be given to the children, adapt- 
ing it to their varied conditions, so does our Heavenly Par- 
ent adapt the food; the spiritual food, unto his children. 
How comforting it should be to us to remember that we are 
not dependent one upon another to know the Lord, " for 
they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the 
greatest of them, saith the Lord." My own experience con- 
firms the truth of this, for I remember, from very early life, 
the tender impressions made upon ray mind whilst in that 
babe-like condition, and I believe, as the Scriptures bear 
witness — speaking figuratively — that, " As the mountains 
are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his 
people from henceforth even forever." And as He is always 
near us, so is He ever ready to minister to our wants. This 
belief constitutes one of the cardinal principles of the relig- 
ious Society of Friends. They recognize that there has 
been no change, through the various periods of time, in the 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 335 

manner of God's dealing with his creature man; but, as the 
Holy Scriptures bear witness, that He is " the same yester- 
day, and to-day and forever," and that in Him " is no vari- 
ableness, neither shadow of turning." This being the case, 
it may be well to bring to our remembrance the events of 
the past, as the accounts thereof have been handed down 
from generation to generation in the volume of the Holy 
Scriptures. These sacred writings bear witness to the in- 
struction of God to his creature man; and, symbolical as 
they are, in those early days of written records, in no better 
way could the dealings of the Most High with the human 
family have been presented. For, as God is a Spirit, so the 
operations of his power in our hearts must be of like char- 
acter. And hence we find it recorded in the pages of Holy 
Writ that He visited the children of men, that He spake to 
Adam in the Garden of Eden, and gave unto him his com- 
mandments, in order for the preservation of life, and that, 
through all after-periods of time, God spake unto his ser- 
vants often through the great leaders of the people, that they 
should speak unto those around them. And, as the people 
hearkened unto the commandments of God, coming from 
their teachers, they experienced preservation of their lives. 

Trace it down through rarious portions of the Sacred 
Record, but most especially in the early pages, and we find 
God making himself known unto Abraham, Isaac and Ja- 
cob; how He communed with them and showed them what 
He required at their hands. After that period of time, com- 
ing down to the descendants of Jacob, we follow Joseph into 
Egypt, where he was to be tjie preserver of life, for there 
was a famine in the land, and the Lord made use of Joseph, 
who had been sold by his brethren into the land of Egypt ; 



336 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

how God helped him in the land of bondage ; how, though 
badly treated and confined within the prison-walls for years 
by the inscrutable workings of that Power which knoweth 
all things and seeth all things, ultimately Joseph became the 
instrument of the Lord, not only in saving the people of 
Egypt, but also in saving his father's house ; how, in after 
years, the children of Jacob multiplied in the land of Egypt, 
but when there arose a king who knew not Joseph, the 
Egytians — instead of having a regard for those whose ances- 
tors had been instrumental in preserving the lives of their 
people — persecuted the Israelites, making of them servants, 
and exacting from them hard things. Yes, and the record 
tells us that they imposed one condition after another, even 
to the taking away of the straw that was to make part of the 
brick. But their cries " entered into the ears of the Lord 
of Sabaoth," and, in his own time. He raised up a deliverer. 

It is not necessary to enter into a full account of the find- 
ing of Moses, the son of an Israelitish woman ; how he was 
preserved by this daughter of Israel, who, looking upon the 
child, beheld his comeliness, his beauty, and, in the spirit of 
maternal afi:ection, sought his preservation and laid him in 
the flags; how, in the workings of that Power, the ark con- 
taining him was seen by the daughter of Pharaoh, as she 
was walking on the river-bank; how he was cared for by her, 
and, when of proper age, educated in the arts and the lore 
of the Egyptians. 

In the course of events, owing to surrounding circum- 
stances, he fled, and we find him keeping the sheep of 
Jethro, his father-in-law, on the plains of Midian, where he 
became a shepherd. Let us look at the occupation of a 
shepherd, one who watches over his flock. What a beautiful 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 337 

type is this of the character of our God, who is often spoken 
of as " The unslumhering Shepherd of Israel," slumbering 
not, neither bj- night nor by daj^ but forever watching over 
his people everywhere. For He has his eye over all his 
creatures, and when any of them go astray like sheep. He 
reaches out the crook of his love, seeking to gather them 
within the green pastures and beside the still w^aters, where 
rest the children of the heavenly kingdom. 

As we trace the wonderful power of God in his dealings 
with these Israelites, we see, later on, where He met with 
Moses, keeping the sheep, and there informed him, by the 
burning bush, what he was to do. And Moses heard the 
voice of the Lord, saying, ^' Put off thy shoes from off thy 
feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground." 
Yes, for God was there, his power and presence were there, 
and, therefore, in that relation, it was holy ground. More- 
over, he said, " I am the God of thy father, the God of 
Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. And 
Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God." 

Let us look at things as they are, and let none of us feel 
that the former day was different from our day. It is the 
disposition of the children of men to-day to look upon the 
people that lived at that time and the ministrations and dis- 
pensations meted out to them as different from those of 
to-day. There is an idea now that God is not the same^ that 
He does not appear or speak unto us as He did unto the 
people of old. My ow^n experience has taught me that He 
is the same. I know very well that He spake unto me in 
the morning of my life, and that He has made known his 
will concerning me as clearly as anything I have ever found 
recorded upon the page of Holy Writ or that was ever 
penned. 



388 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Farther on we read from the familiar record that the Lord 
sent Moses; that there were long pleadings between him 
and Pharaoh concerning the children of Israel, which is but 
the Lord's pleading with the people to come out from under 
the dominion and power of the flesh, representing man in 
that condition wherein he is in bondage, serving a master 
other than God. And when Pharaoh refused to let the Is- 
raelitish people go, that they might sacrifice unto the Lord 
their God, one dispensation, one afiliction, one trouble fol- 
lowed another, until, ultimately, there appeared to be a 
willingness wrought to let the people go. Let us bring this 
home, for these efforts must be applicable to people's states 
and conditions at the present time. Let us apply them to 
ourselves, let us — looking into our own hearts — see whether 
the good — comparable to the Israelitish people in Egypt — 
is being oppressed and held in bondage by the Pharaoh who 
is our ruler. Whilst the precious seed is thus oppressed, 
there is a power ruling over it comparable to the natural 
man — for the natural man, that which is of the earth, earthy, 
is an oppressor — and Pharaoh is here represented as such. 

The things there written illustrate to us that, though we 
may feel ourselves bound with " the lust of the flesh, the 
lust of the eyes and the pride of life," and that these have 
dominion over the good in us, holding it in subjection, so 
that it is not permitted to free us from abuses and sins, yet 
remember, my brother, my sister, there is a Power superior 
to any finite power pleading with thee. Pharaoh, as king 
of Eg3^pt, represented the finite power, ruling the lords of 
state. Yet even that power was ultimately brought into 
subjection to the greater One. When the children of Israel 
passed out on their way, Pharaoh and his hosts sought to 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 339 

pursue them, and the record is that the Lord made a way 
for his people, but the chariot wheels of the Egyptians 
dragged heavily, and the sea, that had rolled back to make 
way for the children of Israel, closed again, and the hosts 
of Pharaoh w^ere overwhelmed. 

I am no atheist. On the contrary, I am a believer in the 
power of God. Human wisdom may look at this account and 
question it, but to the anointed eye of the believer it exhibits 
the power of the Almighty. It exemplifies for our consid- 
eration that, as we obey his commandments — though the 
w^ay may not appear plain, though difficulties may seem to 
be insurmountable — we shall be safely led along until we 
have made our escape from Egypt and from the tyranny of 
its king. Though the wisdom of the world is disposed to at- 
tribute these occurrences to natural causes, I am a believer 
in the Almighty power of God, and that with Him there is 
nothing impossible. Men may become so steeped in sin, 
such slaves to their propensities, as to feel that they are 
hopelessly under the dominion thereof and ready to cry out, 
" 0, wretched man that I am ! Who shall deliver me from 
the body of this death !" There have been such conditions, 
and there may be such to-day. Men who feel themselves 
bound as with fetters, having surrendered themselves up to 
the gratification of self, so as to shut out the face of God, 
and gone on from one condition to another, disregarding the 
manifestation of his purposes, until they have become entan- 
gled as in a net, from which they cannot extricate themselves. 
But, thank God ! there is a powder that is sufficient. The 
arm of the Lord is held out and goes reaching, reaching out 
for the liberation of every one who has been made sensible 
of his condition and who is willing to look unto this Source 
for deliverance. 



340 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

But there may be other doctrines preached, other thoughts 
presented, and there may be hekl out the idea that we can 
save ourselves. Do not the evidences of the past clearly 
demonstrate that man, of himself, is a very finite creature ? 
l!Tow I want us to remember that God v^ills not the death of 
any, but that it is his purpose that we should all return, re- 
pent and live. When men seek hy their finite powers, how- 
ever much these may have been cultivated, to adduce argu- 
ments or to deduce conclusions concerning religion, let them 
bear in mind the great truth that " The wisdom of this world 
is foolishness with God." 

I might continue to trace the history of the workings of 
this Power from generation to generation, for therein is 
clearly demonstrated and exemplified what is necessary for 
preservation, also that God taketh care of his people. In 
the journey of the Israelites you may read the journe^^ of 
your own life, as I have of mine. The history of that people 
is but the reflection of what is constantly going on in and 
for man. There do we see exemplified the weakness of 
human nature ; there do we see the disposition to disobey 
the commandments of God ; there do we see his condescen- 
sion in supplying their needs and even their desires when 
these were not in rebellion against his will. He gave them 
manna and quail, and, when they were thirsting, the flinty 
rock gave forth its refreshing waters when smitten by Moses 
at the command of the Most High. He also gave unto them 
an unerring guide, even the pillar of fire b}^ night and the 
pillar of cloud by day. .Thus is it shown that, though we 
may backslide from Him, He still helps us. Such is the 
love of God and such his care over the workmanship of his 
hand. And they are as great to-day and the manifestations 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 341 

of himself unto the sous aucl daughters of men — if they give 
attention thereto — are as possible to us as they were to the 
Israelites when they were led out of Egypt and into the 
Promised Land. 

Now, my dear friends, turn to the history of the life of 
Abraham, and you discover that, as he was faithful to the 
commandments of God, he w^as called the father of the faith- 
ful. In obedience to those commandments, he did not refuse 
to comply even to spare his son, the child of his old age, but 
was ready to offer him up. And those who are obedient 
and faithful, as was he, are called his seed, and in every 
nation, kindred, tongue and people these exist, and are 
under the Almighty's protection, his power reaching out to 
such. 

We also find in the record that there were thousands who 
did not acknowledge God, but who worshipped the work 
of men's hands. Pause here. Let us look and inquire 
whether ive are free from idolatry. Let us examine as to 
what constitutes idolatry. Is it that we should have a statue 
upon a pedestal to fall down and worship it ? Is that the 
requisite to being an idolater ? It might be well for us to 
pause and look into the mirror in our own hearts, before we 
hurl the verbal arrows of our indignation and scorn at intel- 
ligent people who are found worshipping idols. My friends, 
I sometimes think, when I read the views of certain men, 
or hear them expressed, that Ave have idolatry to-day. If 
we are leaning upon and trusting in our own opinions, im- 
ages that have been formed in our minds, or if we are ready 
to w^orship the dogmas and opinions of other men — which 
are the images that have been carved out in their minds — if 
we defend these, guard them and are tenacious of them, 



342 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

what are we doing? Whatever we love most, that wq wor- 
ship. This proposition must be admitted by all w4io have 
given the subject careful thought. Let us not be disposed 
to look with so much indignation upon the people of the 
past or upon the Orientals of to-day because they worship 
idols. We may not practice our idolatry in the same way, 
our images may not be of the same kind as are theirs whom 
we so freely censure, but let us examine ourselves honestly 
in the search for our idols. I w^ant us to look at these things, 
for I am interested that we should become the children of 
our Heavenly Father. In standing here this morning my 
concern is that we may individually come into the posses- 
session of the pearl of great price, that we come to know 
our Redeemer, who loveth us and who gave his life that we 
might be saved. As the great truths of Holy Scripture are 
brought to our view, we should try to know where we are 
and what is our condition. Whether we are like the chil- 
dren of Israel when they were in bondage, or whether we 
have witnessed our deliverance and are on the journey trav- 
eling toward the Promised Land. Whether we still have 
stumbling-blocks, or whether, through the mercj' of God in 
Christ Jesus, we have known the shackles to be broken, 
known an overcoming of the enemies of Israel, and, having 
traversed the wilderness and crossed the Jordan, spiritually, 
have found an entrance into the Promised Land. 

The religion that I am interested in building up is of that 
character which is presented upon the pages of Holy Writ, 
with the promises of eternal life. Now, no man can do the 
work of religion for us, for we are all called to work out our 
own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which 
worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 343 

The all-wise God not 011I3' brought out the children of Israel, 
with Moses for their leader, but He gave them the law; yet 
this was not perfect, but for the bringing in of a better hope. 

In the records we find that John the Baptist came as " The 
voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of 
the Lord, make his paths straight." We discover that this 
voice was listened to, for the people were baptized by John 
in Jordan, confessing their sins. We feel better for it w^hen 
we have confessed our sins. This is an important step, and 
after this it would seem that we are in a condition to hear 
the voice of another. In the course of time, as we read, oc- 
curred the birth of Jesus. How beautiful a type his life is, 
beautiful and true. Born of the Virgin Mary, who, when 
the angel of the Lord visited her and informed her what 
should come to pass, queried how this thing could be, wdiich, 
to her natural understanding, seemed to be so incomprehen- 
sible. Yet, in humble trust, she bowed to the will of God, 
and surrendered herself with this expression, " Be it unto 
me according to thy word." 

There are those who would deny the truth of God, but I 
own the record just as I find it there. 

]N"ow how far have we traveled on this interesting jour- 
ney? Where are we to-da}^? In our peculiar conditions, 
probably no two of us are exactly alike, no two have at- 
tained to the same deo-ree of o^rowth. But have we been 
faithful to what has been manifested ? Have we hearkened 
to the voice of God? Remember, "No man can save his 
brother or give to God a ransom for his soul." But there 
is a Saviour, there is a Redeemer, and that Saviour, that 
Redeemer, is Christ the Lord. Blessed be God, who so 
loved the world that He hath given this Saviour into the 



344 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

world, that whosoever is wilHng to receive Him, in the way 
of his coming, shall not i>ei'ish, hut shall have everlasting 
life. This is the interesting part. I want you to hear in 
remembrance this very word, shall, not will, have eternal life, 
hut shall have it. Now this constitutes the glor}' of the religion 
that is presented unto the world in the life of the Son of God, 
Jesus Christ. His mission, as it is recorded on the page of the 
ISTew Testament, was to put an end to sin and to deliver us 
from the dominion and power of the devil. What do we 
know about this precious Saviour! Have we the evidence 
that He has been brought forth in our hearts ? Have we 
known the Child born, the Son given, and is the govern- 
ment of our lives resting upon his shoulders ? Are we, from 
our hearts, ready to call Him the Mighty God, the Everlast- 
ing Father and the Prince of Peace ? E'ote the expression, 
" The Prince of Peace," because it is He that makes the 
peace, and no man is at peace unless he has come to know 
the begotten of the Father brought forth within his soul. 
There is no peace short of that which emanates from this 
source, that peace of which the Master said, " Peace I leave 
with you, my peace I give unto you ; not as the world giveth, 
give I unto j^ou." 

My brethren and sisters, my heart travails this morning 
in solicitude for us all, that we may come to be the children 
of our "Father which is in heaven; for He maketh his sun 
to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the 
just and on the unjust." Oh, the love of God ! It surpass- 
eth all understanding. For, as one formerly declared, "Eye 
hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the 
heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them 
that love Him." Oh, that I could, by an}- words of mine, 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 345 

stir the hearts of some that are present this morning, to let 
go their hold upon the world, so that they may come to ex- 
perience the power of the Lord Jesus, declaring " I am the 
resurrection and the life. He that belie veth in me, though 
he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and 
believeth in me shall never die." Oh, this glorious Chris- 
tian faith, to which is attached the promise, " Shall never 
die.^^ Thank God, there is a power that man may possess 
here, may live in the world, surrounded by the wickedness 
thereof, and yet be preserved from sin. 

My friends, how are we to come into possession of the 
•pearl of great price ? Are not the terms for obtaining this 
most precious treasure the same as they have ever been ? 
The Master said, "He that loveth father or mother more 
than me is not worthy of me ; and he that loveth son or 
daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that 
taketh not his cross and followeth after me is not worthy of 
me." He names the dearest objects of human affection, 
thus clearly illustrating that if we love anything more than 
we love Him we are not worthy of Him. 

Search yourselves, prove yourselves. For it is by search- 
ing and proving ourselves that we come to k7iow ourselves. 
The Apostle queries with the Corinthians, " Know ye not 
your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye 
be reprobates ?" Let us not here misunderstand the mean- 
ing of Paul, and think that he intends to convey the idea 
that Christ is not in the reprobate. 'No, no; but what He 
means is that the reprobate does not know that He is within 
him. But He is there, and it is his presence that causes a 
stir, an uneasiness in the soul of the reprobate. 

As the words have come into my mouth I have given 
22 



346 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

them utterance. I have but one purpose, but one object in 
view, and that is, to do what I can to persuade men; to call 
their attention to the source whence all good comes ; to en- 
courage, to exhort them, to let nothing hinder, but to pur- 
sue a straightforward course, and so travel on as to come 
into the possession and enjoyment of eternal life. It was 
for this purpose that man was created, to come into and to 
enjoy eternal life; a condition of which it may be practically 
said that " The wicked cease from troubling and the weary 
are at rest;" where the soul is at rest in the arms of its Re- 
deemer. 

I know there is much in the world to attract and to allure* 
to draw away from this peaceful, as well as safe, condition ; 
but my dear young people, my desire for you is, that you 
will enter into covenant, as did the people at the exhortation 
of Joshua, " The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice 
will we obey." And as you are faithful in keeping this 
promise, you will receive that which was given to Israel for 
an everlasting covenant. "Unto thee will I give the land of 
Canaan, the lot of your inheritance." Then " Choose you 
this day whom ye will serve." You will never regret it, for 
as you advance on the journey of life you will see how many 
are holding back and risking the dangers of delay. You 
may call to mind some one, very dear to you, who has 
been removed in the morning of life, thus bringing you to 
face the solemn reality that, whilst the old must die, the 
young may die. Then how wise it would be for you to 
make the choice now, and to live with your hearts so given 
up to serve your God, that no matter when the call may be 
extended to you, you may be prepared to render up with 
joy your earthly lives. 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 347 

And, dear fathers and mothers, you — with whom I class 
myself — must depart, and the places that know us now will 
soon know us no more forever. Oh, that we may have fur- 
nished us the blessed evidence that we are at peace with our 
God! 



Selections Taken From Discourses Delivered at Different 
Times During the Last Two Years of His Life. 

God is a God of love, not of hatred. His dealings with 
mankind exemplify this. It is not the will of our Creator 
that any man should perish. We were not brought into the 
world for such a purpose. If any one fall short of the pur- 
pose of his creation the fault must lie at his own door. 
There may be conditions around him — the example of others 
for instance — exerting their influence, but it is his own fault 
if he accept not the free grace which would give him 
strength to resist such influence. Just in proportion as the 
world violates the commandments of God, must every vio- 
lator carry with him a certain measure of the responsibility, 
not only in its application to himself, but also in the effect 
produced by his example upon others. 

i^ow, is it not a marvel that any responsible human being 
should be willing to live without God in the world ? Does 
he think that the gratification of " the lust of the flesh, and 
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life," will yield him a 
return worthy of the name of enjoyment ? Does he stop to 
consider that, whilje partaking of this gratification, he is 
constantly in danger, and that, if he pursue the course to its 
goal, he will find it the entrance to a state of misery ? 



343 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Would he rather fall into the hands of men than to be under 
the protection of the All-beneficent Creator ? Why, how 
can any one be so deluded ? There are few men but would 
deprive us of a great many good things which God would 
not deprive us of. Then, why should we be living without 
God in this world, when, to fulfill the purposes and enjoy 
the works of his creation, we must know Him ? 

JSTow, He is not afar off from any of us, but stands ready 
to help us, offering himself to be the director of our lives. 
Then, why should we refuse his guidance? He never gave 
to any man a law, nor imposed upon him a prohibition that 
was not for that man's good. Men may make laws and may 
prohibit free action altogether, in order to keep you entirely 
under their own control, but Divine Goodness never treats 
his children in that way. The Omniscient One knows our 
diverse peculiarities and temperaments, and, taking us just 
as we are. He imposes those, and only those restraints 
which are necessary for our preservation. Then, why 
should we even hesitate about submitting to his prohibitions 
and obeying his laws ? The young man or the young woman 
who makes it the primal consideration of life to hearken to 
and obey the voice of God — which speaks by impressions 
made upon the soul — will be kept in safet}^ and will not lose 
any of the joys of earth that are worth retaining. 

There may be restrictions imposed upon us at one stage 
of our experience for our benefit just at that time, and if we 
resignedly accept them (making no attempt in our own will 
to remove them), they may, at the proper time, be taken 
aw^ay by the same Hand that placed them upon us. Then 
other duties, positive or negative, may be required of us, 
and we must be faithful to these. As we thus go on from 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 349 

stage to stage we experience a spiritual growth, whereby we 
can comprehend the necessity and appreciate the force of 
the command given to Moses, " Speak unto the children of 
Israel that they go forward." There are men who have 
been encompassing one mountain all their lives, and who 
are still there, like the Israelites who were disposed to tarry 
where they were, rather than to journey toward the Prom- 
ised Land. But, my friends, it requires much care and close 
watchfulness on our part to see the right time to go forward. 
For if we anticipate it, we go without our Gruide, and get- 
ting bewildered, wander aimlessly in an unknown way 
until we lose sight of both faith and hope. 

Men who have their own purposes to serve will try to 
make you believe that religion is here or that it is there, and 
that you should come hither or go thither to find it, but I 
feel to say to the j'Oung of this assembly, Mind your own 
business, and let every other business alone. Do not, like 
Martha, be troubled about many things, but do those things 
which are shown to you to do, and avoid doing those which 
you should not do. Our allegiance to God may be estimated 
b}' our obedience to his commands, without regard to what 
the world may say. 

What a great matter it is to be a truly religious man. I^o 
importance need be attached to the name — there were twelve 
tribes of the children of Israel. If it suit a man to belong 
to one tribe or to the other, we have nothing to do with 
that^ for there is but one Father and we are all his children. 
But, my friends, the natural man is in the dark, and he must 
remain in the dark until the light of the Son shines into his 
soul. This is " the true Light which Hghteth every man 
that com eth into the world." It shows us how Ave should 



350 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

walk, but if (taking the advice of the tempter, who would 
have us know good and evil for ourselves) we turn from it, 
we commit sin, for sin is the transgression of the Divine law. 

There are many who go through life sinning and repent- 
ing, a state they should not remain in, for there is a higher 
one, a more settled one, beyond it. ISTow the glory of our 
religion, its importance and its value to every son and every 
daughter of Adam is the sublime idea that we are to enjoy 
heaven — so far as we are capable of coming into the enjoy- 
ment of God's love — all the days of our life. This, we believe, 
was the purpose of the Great Creator w^hen He gave us 
being. He has never turned one of his children out of his 
house. Those who are not in the house of God have wan- 
dered away from it of their own accord, like the Prodigal 
Son, because they love other things more than they love 
home. But even these wanderers can return and be under 
the influence of that love which goes out to all, for God wjlls 
not the separation of one soul from Him. The appreciation 
of God's love knocks to atoms a belief in the doctrine that 
some are born to be saved and some to be damned. This 
doctrine had its root in the minds of men, where it had been 
planted by human volition. And how contrary is it to the 
teaching and to the mission of Him who came from the 
bosom of the Father (and who could declare, I and my 
Father are one), in order that none might perish, but that 
all should be saved. 

]^ow, what I feel in my heart to call our attention to is the 
Word, or Son, which, in the beginning, was " with God," 
and which '^ was God." And this Son was sent into the 
world that " whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, 
l^ut have everlasting life." This clear and comprehensive 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 351 

statement of the Evangelist leaves none without the pale of 
the means of salvation, while it assures us of the purpose for 
which the Saviour was sent. And why sent for this pur- 
pose? Because God so loved the world. Oh, wonderful 
love ! Would that we could appreciate the fullness of it. 

Here we are, spending our time in pursuits that do not 
bring peace to the soul nor advance it in the way of salva- 
tion. Some are troubled with one thing, and some v/ith 
another thing. But the Great Forerunner said, "And now 
also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees. Therefore 
every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down 
and cast into the fire." When the tree falls the evil falls 
with it, so that a man cannot any longer be drunken, pro- 
fane or licentious, for the ax has been applied to the root 
of the corrupt tree, which is his heart. We may be temper- 
ate, so far as alcoholics are concerned, and may boast of 
beiug so, but, before we can labor aright in the cause of 
temperance, we must part with many things that w^e love 
too much. This is what is retarding our progress, we are 
not willing to give up our beloveds, even though we may be 
convinced that they are idols, and to accept the terms so 
plainly laid down by Him who should be our Master. " He 
that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of 
me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is 
not worthy of me ; and he that taketh not his cross and fol- 
loweth after me is not worthy of me." Surely this makes 
the matter plain — that we are not to love anything more 
than we love Him, and that the condition upon which we 
can give our hearts to Him must be a surrender of all that 
we have, so that we can say, " Here am I; take me and do 
with me according to thine own good pleasure." Before a 



352 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

man can come into the enjoyment of heaven he must be 
willing to part with everything that he holds dear. 'No man 
can serve two masters. He " cannot serve God and Mam- 
mon." We are apt to love the adulation, the praise, of men. 
We desire to have certain things said of us and certain 
things done to us, so that we may be known as distinguished 
men. While in such a state of mind how liable we are to 
be carried away. 

Kow, what we need to acquire is a knowledge of the Truths 
as it was portrayed in the life of Jesus Christ and proclaimed 
by Him and his Apostles. Such knowledge will make our 
lives broader, so that we shall not be alone Baptists, Meth- 
odists, Presbyterians or Episcopalians, but all will be the 
children of our Father who is in heaven. And when we 
have attained to this relationship our love goes out all 
around. When we come to have this kingdom of heaven 
within us our spiritual eye will be opened to see so clearly 
that we shall no longer be blinded by sectarianism, but shall 
know that the Son has illuminated our :.earts to that degree 
that we can discover the servants of God and extend to 
such the right hand of fellowship wherever they may be 
found. 

I glory in that declaration, "And ye shall know the Truth, 
and the Truth shall make you free,'' for when the Truth 
shall make a man free then is he free indeed My beloved 
friends, it' should be the aim of each one of us to become a 
freeman in the Truth. 

We have the promise of Holy Scripture that " They that 
wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength," ^nd it is for 
the renewal of our spiritual strength that we have come to- 
gether this morning. 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 853 

We do not deem it necessary to have preaching or any 
other human instrumentality for the performance of wor- 
ship, for the Scripture saith, " But the anointing which ye 
have received of Him abideth in you and ye need not that 
any man teach you, but, as the same anointing teacheth you 
of all things, and is Truth and is no lie, and even as it hath 
taught you, ye shall abide in Him." Again, we have the 
authority of Holy Writ for the promise,, "And they shall 
teach no more every man his brother, saying. Know the 
Lord; for they shall all know me, from the least of them 
unto the greatest of them ; for I will forgive their iniquity, 
and I will remember their sin no more." 

I am aware that there are degrees of religious experience ; 
that it may differ in different individuals, and in the same 
one at different stages of his advancement; that, owing to 
disobedience, to some transgression of the Divine law, a man 
may be groping in the dark and reaching out for a human 
hand — a preacher — to guide him and lead him along in some 
line of belief, some doctrinal instruction. But remember, as it 
has been in the past so it is to-day, that this darkness is the 
product of sin or transgression. For, in the beginning, 
before sin had entered into the world, it was not so. God 
dispenseth to every living soul a measure of light, a measure 
sufficient for the condition of that soul, let such condition be 
what it ma}^ I would have us understand that God speaks as 
intelligibly to the soul, and his voice is as capable of being 
understood by it, as does the earthly parent speak to his child 
in an audible voice and in language that the child can com- 
prehend. Before God spake unto Adam he had made him 
a living soul, and there is no evidence in the record but that 
Adam understood the voice of God. So, when He created 



354 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

each one of us, He planted in us an ear to hear his voice, 
and if we do not willfullj^ close this ear, but leave it open to 
hear, and, havuig heard, if we receive and obey the instruc- 
tions, we are just where He would have us to be. Oh, could 
I, this morning, awaken in the minds of all a sense of the 
importance of our being individually aroused and convinced 
of the truth that a knowledge of religion, though not of our- 
selves is in ourselves, '^ Because that which may be known 
of Grod is manifest in them, for God hath showed it unto 
them." We have no need to ascend into heaven to bring 
Christ down from above, neither to descend into the deep 
to bring him up from thence, for, as it is written, "The 
Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart; that 
is the Word of faith which we preach." There was no effort 
on the part of Paul, when he wrote this to the Romans, to 
draw them and bind them to an organization, nothing of 
that kind, but his great concern, and that of his co-laborers 
in the Church, was to impress upon the minds of the people 
that the Saviour — by and through whom they might be 
brought from darkness into light and from the dominion and 
power of Satan into the marvelous light of the Truth of God 
— was not far from any of them; Then was the Truth pre- 
sented to the people in all its beautiful simplicity. But now, 
after the lapse of so many centuries, we find there is a dispo- 
sition to hold up schemes, plans, confessions of faith, and 
elaborate systems of religion, that appeal to the intellect 
rather than to the heart. Why is it that the people are will- 
ing to be entertained by intellectual discourses, rather than to 
listen to the plain truth, which brings conviction to the heart? 
Why do they call upon those who " sew pillows under arm- 
holes," instead of turning inward and listening to the 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 355 

Teacher who would show them their real condition and 
make plain the way of escape from the dangers that now 
await them. 

When we look around and see how much teaching of " re- 
ligion" there is, and how much expense is involved in being 
a Christian, the view is, indeed, discouraging, and many 
become disheartened and turn away from all church organiz- 
ations. Oh, that these, and that all of us, would take les- 
sons from our inward Teacher, who would first point to the 
line which separates Truth from error, and having made 
this plain, would then supply us with grace sufiicient to 
enable us to keep on the right side of the line. If we de- 
sire to have Christ for our Teacher we must enter his school, 
where we shall find that the rules' of discipline are all summed 
up in one word, and that word is the all-important one, obe- 
dience. Observe this, and our daily lessons of instruction 
will broaden out before us and we shall feel our spiritual 
part expanding and strengthening, until we can realize what 
is meant by a growth in holiness. 

I believe there are in this assembly not a few who desire 
to be found walking in the way of well-doing, and whose 
morning aspirations often ascend to the Father in the unvo- 
cal but soul-felt language. Teach me thy will, make known to 
me thy statutes, he my Guide and my Deliverer, that my soul may 
lice. If such be the secret prayer of your hearts, dear friends, 
whoever you are, wherever you are, no sectarian walls can 
separate you from me, or us from each other. The love of 
God, when it fills the heart of man, breaks down every bar- 
rier; it obliterates all names; it reaches "from sea to sea and 
from the river to the ends of the earth." 

As we advance from one condition to another we are en- 



356 LIFE or SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

abled to speak of '' that which was from the beginning, 
which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, 
which we have looked upon and our hands have handled, 
of the Word of life. That which we have seen and heard 
declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with 
us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with 
his Son, Jesus Christ." The work of religion will thus he 
discovered to be a very simple one. And let us remember 
that it is God's work with ourselves, that it is not the culti- 
vation of the moral or of the intellectual powers, but the 
listening to the voice of God as heard in the secret of the 
soul. 

It is well for us to read th,e Holy Scriptures and reverently 
to accept what we find there recorded, but, at the same time, 
to remember that, though we may read them from youth to 
old age, they cannot save us, for there is but one thing that 
can save us, and that is the power of God. I want that we 
should understand these things, for my spirit at times tra- 
vails in concern for the influences which are so moving the 
people in this day to teach religion, to explain the Bible. 
But when we attempt to explain anything so sacred how 
important it is that we explain it aright, for otherwise our 
explanation may do harm instead of good. There is grave 
danger of the young having stamped upon their understand- 
ing thoughts and opinions which spring from minds that 
have not been enlightened by the influence of Divine grace. 
Here comes the difliculty. The natural man can give only the 
letter. He cannot make clear the meaning, the interpreta- 
tion of that which holy men of old wrote or " spake as they 
were moved by the Holy Ghost." If there is to you or to 
me, value in that Holy Book, with a capacity to comprehend 



SELECTIONS FROM SERMONS. 357 

the depth of its meaning, it is as we come to be illuminated 
by God's power. For it is as this power breaks through the 
shell or letter that we can get at the kernel which is encased 
therein. Hence, how important it is that those who attempt 
to explain the meaning of the Holy Scriptures should them- 
selves first have their understanding enlightened by Him 
who would enable them to penetrate the shell, and thus find 
the kernel. By all means let our children read these sacred 
writings, and let us have them read in our families and in 
our schools, and there let the matter rest, saying to the adult 
young people, as Paul did to Timothy, "And that from a 
child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able 
to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in 
Christ Jesus." 

It is he who has grown up by faith, grown in grace, who is 
able to understand aright the writings of the holy men of 
old, who " spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 
Until our eyes are anointed with the eye-salve of God's king- 
dom and we come to receive instruction from on high, we are 
unable to crack through the shell of the Scriptures and to 
extract from them the spirit or kernel ; and when we, in our 
unenlightened state, attempt to explain them to others, is it 
not like the blind leading the blind ? 

When we come to realize the wisdom, power, love and 
grace of God, and are made willing to learn in the school of 
Christ, we shall be preserved from teaching for doctrine the 
commandments of any man, for we shall have the discerning 
spirit that will enable us to discriminate between those whom 
the Lord has anointed and those whom He does not anoint. 

We may remember it is recorded that there were shep- 
herds who watched their flocks by night, to whom the angels 



358 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

declared that there had been born in Bethlehem, Christ the 
Lord, and that there was where the}- should find Him. 
These were they who, when they beheld the Babe, fell 
down and worshipped Him. I would to G-od that each of 
us may come to know the birth of this blessed Babe in our 
souls. Oh, come, come, surrender self, and let the blessed 
Saviour be brought forth in you and know Him as " Won- 
derful," " Counselor," " The Mighty God," " The Everlast- 
ing Father," " The Prince of Peace." I desire not to 
multiply words, but that we should weigh the value of the 
religion of our Lord Jesus Christ, of which every one of us 
may become the possessor, and by so doing he will add to 
his happiness in the present state of being, and, on arriving 
at the end of life's journey, will be permitted to join the 
innumerable company of the redeemed, who "sing the song 
of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, 
saying, " Great and marvellous are thy works. Lord Grod 
Almighty. Just and true are thy ways, thou King of 
Saints!" " '^ ' 



CHAPTER X. 



A RETROSPECT. 



Having followed our friend through the different stages 
of his life, we are now prepared for a Retrospect. Li order 
to discover the sources of the influences by which it was 
molded we must view that life from three distinct points. 

As is the case with most lives, ancestry and environment 



A RETROSPECT. 359 

played an important part in the molding, but far above 
either of these, and more potent than both of them com- 
bined, was the influence of the Holy Spirit. In tracing the 
lines of his experience, unless we keep in view these three 
factors, we fail to form a true estimate of his character or to 
judge of his conduct aright. Inherited traits, surrounding 
conditions and devoted attention to the inward voice, made 
Samuel J. Levick the natural man, the social man and the 
Grospel minister that he was. 

His ancestry was French, English and Welsh,* and those 
who knew him intimately could scarcely fail to observe the 
marked traits attributable to these three sources. He was 
alert, vivacious and social. He was candid, persistent and 
tenacious of rights. He was brave, honorable and very 
tender-hearted. !N"ot only could the racial traits be noted, 
but also the characteristics of certain individuals from 
whom he had descended, though several generations re- 
moved. In " Besse's SuiFerings of Friends" may be found 
the names of a number of his ancestors who evinced unusual 
courage and unshaken loyalty to their convictions, while 
they suifered the distraint of their property, the deprivation 
of their liberty, or left their native land to find an asylum 
where they would not be persecuted for conscience' sake. 

In " Piety Promoted" is a very interesting account of 
Peter Fearon (son of John and EUzabeth Fearon, the great- 
great-great-grandparents of Samuel J. Levick), who came 
out in the ministry before he was twenty years old, who 
traveled extensively and who was highh' esteemed as a min- 
ister and as a man. In the life of this Burlington Friend, 

* The Levicks/ar hack were French ; the Manloves, Wetherills, Nobles and 
Fearons were English ; the Joneses, Lewises and Hayeses were Welsh. 



360 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

who died one hundred and thirty-three years ago, we may 
trace parallels to the experience of his late relative.* 

We also find that three successive generations of the 
Wetherills were members of the " Council of Proprietors of 
West Jersey," thus showing that they took an interest in the 
affairs of State as well as in those pertaining to the Society 
of Friends. Samuel J. Levick fully believed in the senti- 
ment, traditionally accredited to William Penn, that " It is 
neither a sin nor a fault to do what good one can in any 
government." 

His Welsh ancestors were among the most worthy of that 
very good people that ever landed upon our shores. The 
journals of Friends traveling in the ministry refer to the 
meetings at Merion, Haverford and Radnor, in terms which 
give evidence of their appreciation of these Welsh worthies, 
some of whom ministered "in their native British tongue." 

Passing from his ancestry to his surroundings, we find 
him in a well-ordered home, the oldest (living) child of 
watchful and tender parents, who sought to direct his phe- 
nomenal activity into channels of usefulness, and, without 
too much restriction of his boyish love for sports, to keep 
him within the pale of consistency for a child of concerned 
Friends. At a suitable age, he was placed at Westtown 
Boarding School, where, for three years, he was surrounded 
by influences that were calculated to preserve him in the 
path of uprightness and to strengthen his loyalty to the So- 
ciety of Friends. The school, the home-department, the 
vigilance of the care-takers, the reading matter accessible to 
the pupils, and, added to all these, the religious meetings, 
were favorable to the preservation of innocence and to a 

* See "Piety Promoted," Vol. iv: p. 422. 



A RETROSPECT. 361 

preparation for the reception of the higher law when it 
should be revealed to them. 

On leaving Westtown, the youth of sixteen returned to his 
parental home in the city, and was there ready to learn 
something new. The counting-house opened to him and 
his father was his kind and interested instructor. He took 
to business ea^gerly, and looked hopefully at the prospect 
before him. The time soon came— sooner to him than to 
many others — when he felt that he was a young man, and, 
being socially inclined, he enjoyed the society of those who 
were of his own age, as also of many who were older. It 
Avas then that he became so interested in the "moral reform" 
movement, for it ministered to three of his desires, activity, 
sociability and benevolence. When the business duties of 
the day were over and the evening meal had afforded oppor- 
tunity for pleasant family mingling, he felt ready for some- 
thing else. Then it was highly gratifying to him to attend 
a " reform" meeting and there to associate with those who, 
like himself, were interested in the work of relieving the 
oppressed and of elevating the degraded. 

When in his twentieth year — looking toward a mercantile 
life, and expecting to be taken into the iirm Avith his father 
on attaining his majority— a great trial came upon him as 
an impression of duty. This very unexpected check seemed 
likely to blight his prospects of business, to separate him 
from the societies of which he was so active a member, to 
deprive him of the social intercourse which he so much en- 
joyed, and — more than all the rest — to take him away from 
his home. Xhe Friends' faith, which he had received by 
inheritance, imbibed with his education and adopted from 
honest conviction, was with him no mere fancy, no specula- 
23 



362 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

tive ttieory, no rationalistic proposition to be subjected to 
analysis and thus proved to be either true or false, but on 
the contrary, it was a vital reality, which he could no more 
overlook nor gainsay than he could disbelieve in his physical 
existence. 

A fundamental and the distinguishing tenet of this faith is 
a belief in the Divine Immanence, or the presence and ope- 
ration of the Holy Spirit in the heart of man. With his 
attendance at Friends' meetings, his acquaintance with their 
literature, his three years at Westtown Boarding School and 
his guarded home-training, we may infer that one of his 
keen susceptibility had received many tendering impressions, 
and that he had learned from experience, as well as from 
what came to him through books, sermons and parental pre- 
cept, that it is of the utmost importance to give heed to the 
still, small voice which may be heard in the secret of the soul. 
This voice now spoke to him, and the message which it 
brought was most unwelcome to the natural man, since it 
conflicted with his inclination, and the requirement seemed 
as unreasonable as the me-ssage was unwelcome. It said to 
him that he should leave the city and learn to be a farmer. 

In after years he told a member of his family that when 
he first felt it would be required of him to leave his fond 
parents, his brothers and sisters, his comfortable home, a 
choice circle of friends, a promising business prospect, and 
the many interests which he had in the city, he mentally 
exclaimed, " How can this be ?" so great was the trial to 
him and so contrary to reason did the requirement seem. 
But at length it became so evident to him that he must go, 
that, in simple obedience, he yielded to the impression with- 
out knowing why he should be thus led. He trusted, obeyed. 



A RETROSPECT. 363 

and found peace. His will was to be disciplined, and it was 
better for him not to know, nor to see, what was in store 
for him, but to keep fast hold of the Hand that was leading 
him, and, with child-like coniidence, to trust that he would 
be led aright. Now, in the retrospect, it all seems plain; 
but then he was walking by faith, and not by sight. As he 
continued thus to walk, his spiritual experience deepened^' 
he not only sought, but enjoyed, seasons of retirement, and, 
as religious labor opened before him, he saw that he was to 
go when and where the Master sent him, and that works, 
however good in themselves, would not be accounted his to 
do, unless he had been called to engage in them. In after 
years how manifest was it to his friends, as well as to him- 
self, that his getting away from the city just when he did 
was in the ordering of a Wisdom superior to his own, for it 
not only brought his will under the discipline of the cross, 
but also provided for him a situation which was most favor- 
able to his spiritual development. Day by day he was learn- 
insT that it was scood for him to be alone and to be still. 
When following his plow he was favored, as his spiritual 
ear was attuned, to hear that inward voice which spake to hiiA 
and counseled him as an earthl}^ parent does his child. 

Three lessons to be learned by every one who feels called 
to the work of the ministry in the Society of Friends — a 
surrender of the will, an endeavor to be quiet, and a strict 
attention to the inward voice — were then given to him, and 
it may be said that he learned them with thoroughness and 
fidelity. By this schooling the strong will of the natural 
man was brought into subjection, the active worker found 
that he must first become a passive listener, and the young 
man, rich in possessions of various kinds, was made willing 



364 LIFE OP SAMUEL J. LKVICK. 

to sell all, take up his cross and follow his Master. His fre- 
quent allusions to the favored seasons of spiritual commu- 
nion that he enjoyed while working on the farm or while 
hauling on the road, indicate that these showers of hlessing 
fell upon thirsty ground, for his heart was mellowed and 
tendered thereby. 

In that portion of the Diary referring to his first marriage 
there is much that is instructive as well as pathetic, for his 
reflections on this weighty subject evince the care that he 
exercised to obtain " Divine permission" before proceeding 
to the fulfillment of those intentions which had been prompted 
by inclination and sanctioned by human judgment. The 
account of the illness and death of his wife gives us an idea 
of his deep sense of bereavement, also of the necessity that 
w^as laid upon him (rendered the more imperative from the 
request of his companion that he would give her up) to en- 
deavor to attain a state of resignation. This state he regarded 
as something entirely different from a philosophical accept- 
ance of the trials of life — for he was no rationalist — his hope 
and his trust being those of the Christian believer. 

His second marriage also was a truly happy one, and his 
domestic life during those forty years was one of calm sun- 
shine, save for the cloud occasioned by the loss of two sons. 
These bereavements were, indeed, close trials to the parents, 
but they knew in whom they trusted, and this knowledge 
sustained them " in sorrow's darkest hour." .Home, to Sam- 
uel J. Levick, was a favored place and a choice retreat after 
mingling with the busy throng in the secular affairs of life, 
or after the suffering that he sometimes had to endure in get- 
ting down into the state of a meeting for worship. On some of 
his later journeys in the ministry his wife accompanied him. 



A RETROSPECT. 365 

and when she remained at home her sympathies went with 
him, for though she alwaj^s gave him up freely to travel on 
Truth's account, yet she had an abiding sense of the hard 
labor that he often had to perform in religious assemblies 
before his burdened spirit could obtain relief. 

As a business man his course has been followed, as office- 
boy, farmer, merchant and secretary; and none who knew 
him in any of these stations could charge him with being 
slothful or indifferent to his duties. IS^either could he have 
been called a hard task^master,'nor have b^en' regarded as 
despotic toward those who were in his employ. He looked 
upon wage-earners, however menial their employment might 
seem, as helpers rather than as servants; and he rejoiced in 
seeing these and all others, whom he could influence, in a 
condition to enjoy life and to get from it the very best that it 
is capable of yielding. The thought that all human .beings 
have one Father was ever present with him in the discharge 
of his duties, and regulated his treatment of those who, 
humanly speaking, were under his control. 

He was also very considerate of the comfort of domestic 
animals, from the time when he first began to be responsible 
for their keeping: and in later 3^ears, when his official po- 
sition gave him the power and furnished him with the op- 
portunity to plead their cause, it did not change his feelings 
toward the brute creation, but only placed him in a larger 
field as their defender and guardian. 

To say that he was a patriot would be stating a truism, 
rather than adding anything to what he himself has said. 
He loved his country and desired that it might be blessed 
with peace and prosperity. He also felt that we should be 
grateful for our civil rights, as well as for those which permit 



366 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

US to worship without the trammel of established Church or 
priestly domination. On this subject, as upon all others on 
which he expressed a sentiment, he was candid and out- 
spoken ; for while honesty, courage and benevolence had 
abundant room in that heart, policy, hesitation and duplicity 
found no place. His words, like his actions, were without 
a mask, and thus bore testimony to the transparency of his 
charapter. When he opposed men or measures he did it 
openly^ and, after having stated his position as well as his 
opposition, he met his opponents as friends, not as enemies, 
and by his frankness and cordiality, he would convince them 
that he parted from them and from the subject " with malice 
toward none, with charity for all." 

As a public-spirited citizen, a philanthropist and a humane 
man, his reputation rests on the solid basis of merit, and 
durino:the last ten years of his life his eiforts for the better- 
ment of society might have permitted him, without arroga- 
tion, to express the sentiment so often quoted, " I am a man, 
an-d whatever concerns humanity is of interest to me." 

It was, however, as a minister of the Gospel that he was 
most widely and most favorably known in the Society of 
Friends, and in this responsible station he occupied a posi- 
tion peculiar to himself. His early and full surrender having 
afforded the necessary preparation, he came forth when 
called; he deepened in spirituality as he trod the narrow 
way; he profited by experience; and, as the years rolled on, 
he gradually broadened out in Christian charity for all. 
While fully convinced that the faith of Friends is sound 
and Scriptural in its basis, and that it was the one for him 
to adopt, he did not condemn or judge harshly those who 
had been differently educated, but by word and by action 



A RETROSPECT. 367 

he plainly demonstrated that it is not only possible, but en- 
tirely consistent to be loyal to our own religious denomina- 
tion without being uncharitable toward others — in short, to 
be a denominationalist without being a sectarian. 

Although often called to go among those of other denomi- 
nations, and to appoint meetings in their houses of worship, 
there is no account of his ever having; o-iven oiFense on these 
occasions. On the contrary, they were am^ng his most 
favored opportunities, proving tendering to many hearts, 
solemnizing to large assemblies, and yielding to the laborer 
the precious reward of peace. 

In common with the early Friends, he was a lirm believer 
in the record of the Holy Scriptures, as well as in their spir- 
itual application to mankind in the present day, and in all 
ages of the world. He also believed that the spiritual eye 
must be anointed before the inward meaning of these Sacred 
Writings can be understood so as to explain it to others for 
their edification. While very favorable to human learning, 
and desirous that all, in their youthful days, might have the 
opportunity to receive a liberal share of it, he was decidedlj^ 
opposed to the application of intellectual analysis or schol- 
arly acquirements to the deep things of the Spirit. 

As he was no man's cop}^, neither did he call upon others 
to imitate him, but, with all the earnestness of Gospel au- 
thority, he did appeal to them to " hear and obey" the 
Inward Teacher, as by so doing they would experience 
preservation on their perilous journey through life, and at 
the end thereof be prepared for a happy eternity. 

But the end crowns all: and the "peaceful" feeling that 
pervaded the mind of our dear friend when there came to 
him the presentation that his work was done, gave evidence 



368 LIFE OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

that an early and full surrender, followed by a long period 
of faithful service in the Master's cause, had been accepted ; 
and that, without regrets or fears to disturb him, he was 
ready to hear the call and, in trustful faith, to adopt the lan- 
guage of one of the early Friends, " I am sick in body, but 
the Lord reigns gloriously in Zion, His power is over all 
his enemies. I have sweet peace with Him that is the 
Redeemer of Israel, and am now waiting for ray Pilot to 
conduct me to ray long home," 



MEMORIAL OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 860 



Memorial of Samuel J. Levick. 



In conformity with the custom in our religious Society of 
placing on record, for the encouragement of survivors, memo- 
rials of deceased Friends who had in their day been con- 
spicuous standard-bearers therein, we believe it right for us to 
prepare this simple testimony concerning our late esteemed 
friend, Samuel J. Levick. 

He was the son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth W. Levick, 
members of the religious Society of Friends, and was born 
in Philadelphia, Eighth Month 30th, 1819. The guarded 
care and training of his parents were as a hedge of preserva- 
tion to their children, and helped to fit them for usefulness 
in mature years. 

From his infantile days Samuel was susceptible to the 
tender influences of the Heavenly Fathers love, and being 
of a sensitive nature, his sympathies were enlisted for the 
poor, even in childhood. Li early youth he became inter- 
ested in the colored people living in the lower part of the 
city, mingling with them in their homes on First-day after- 
noons, and reading to them and instructing them. He 
afterwards procured a room, where others joined him in the 
work of collecting and teaching them such lessons as would 
advance and elevate them in life. He was a member of the 
Junior Anti-Slavery Society, and was interested in other 
associations having for their object the amelioration of the 
condition of the human family. 

In the spring of 1841 he was married to Ellen, daughter 



370 MEMORIAL OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

of Caleb and Jane Foulke, of Quakertown, Pa., and settled 
near there as a farmer. In a little more than a year after- 
ward, this beloved companion was removed by death. He 
subsequently married Susanna, daughter of Charles and Jane 
Mather, and continued to reside at Quakertown until 1848, 
when they moved to Philadelphia. In 1857 they returned 
to Quakertown, where he was engaged in business until 
1874, when they again removed to this city, where he re- 
sided the remainder of his life. 

As he was faithful and obedient in youth to what he felt 
called to engage in, he was fitted for a more extended field 
of labor, and he became a public ambassador for Christ in 
his twenty-first year; continuing in the work of the minis- 
try for over forty-five years. Ilis gift therein was acknowl- 
edged by Richland Monthly Meeting in Fourth Month, 
1842, and confirmed by Abington Quarterly Meeting of 
Ministers and Elders, in Fifth Month of the same year. He 
did not shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God, 
according to his understanding thereof, boldly and forcibly. 
Earnest, animated, eloquent and frequently pathetic, bear- 
ing the magnetism of his warm heart to his hearers, he was 
an attractive preacher, especially to the young. His com- 
munications were generally of a practical character, fre- 
quently giving evidence that they were in the demonstration 
of the spirit and with power, and when fullj^ equipped in the 
armor of his Lord and Master, no greater valiant could be 
found in his service. His interest in the free ministry ot 
the Gospel, and his faith in its conformity to the teachings 
of Christ, were unbounded. Satisfied that the religious 
Society of Friends was the one with which he should be 
connected, and fully recognizing the ground of its establish- 



MEMORIAL OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 371 

ment, he was yet no sectarian, but mingled freely with peo- 
ple of all denominations, regarding all as children of the 
same great and good Father. At times he felt called to 
appoint meetings among those of other societies, which were 
very saitisfaetory ; calling his hearers not to any creed or 
form of worship, but ever encouraging them to live up to 
the teaching of that Power which enlightens the conscience. 
In our mid-week meetings at Race Street he was particu- 
larly favored of latter years in addressing the hundreds of 
school children there assembled, clearly presenting to their 
comprehension many of the undisputed truths of the Gospel, 
acknowledged by all Christian sects. He traveled much in 
the work of the ministry, having visited all the Yearly 
Meetings except Illinois, and very many of the meetings 
composing them, and his company and services in the min- 
istry were welcomed wherever he went. While he was not 
without his seasons of trial and deep proving, he was ever 
able to rise above these, and being blessed with a remarka- 
bh' cheerful disposition, he looked upon the bright side of 
life, and feeling that he had a right to enjoy the good things 
thereof without abusing them, he practically carried out 
this view in his intercourse with the world. 

Samuel J. Levick was a man of strong and earnest con- 
victions, and very plain and outspoken in the expression of 
his views. He was not a man to withhold his thought lest 
the candid expression of it should make him enemies. Many 
with whom he did not agree in sentiment were inclined to 
think him too earnest and persistent in the expression of 
his convictions, but perhaps this should be overlooked in one 
so thoroughly honest and open in all his words and actions, 
who never spoke disparagingly of any in their absence. His 



'UZ . MEMORIAL OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Strong will and impetuous temperament were often a source 
of anxiety, and we should mention as instrumentalities of 
great help to him the steady discretion and wisdom of some 
of his nearest friends, and the meek and quiet spirit of his 
wife. He was deeply interested in public affairs, both na- 
tional and local, active in the work of organized charities 
in our city, and in the progress and education of youth. 
For several years he was the efficient Secretary of the " So- 
ciety for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals," holding 
this position at the time of his death. 

He was one of the delegates to Washington from our 
Yearly Meeting in 1865, to express our sympathy with tlie 
government after the assassination of President Lincoln. 

A week previous to his death he suffered from an attack 
of oppression, to which he was subject, but was able to be 
about the house most of the time. While sitting in his easy 
('hair at the close of a quiet First-day, he was peacefully 
gathered to his rest, on the nineteenth of Fourth Month, 
1885, in the sixty-sixth year of his age. His funeral, at Old 
Merion Meeting House, was largely attended, and testimo- 
nies were borne by several Friends in -the ministry from dif- 
ferent meetings. 

Read in and approved by the Monthly Meeting of Friends, 
of Philadelphia, held First Month 16th, 1889. 

Alfred Moore, 



o T A r Clerks. 

Sarah J. Ash. 

Read in and approved by Philadelphia Quarterly Meetinj 
of Friends, held Second Month 5th, 1889. 

Isaac H. Hillborn, ) ^, , 

. o ^ Clerks. 

Annie Shoemaker, J 



APPENDIX 



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APPENDIX. 375 

APPENDIX. 



THE MORRIS ANCESTRY. 

Susanna Morris Mather, who in 1844 became the wife of Samuel J. Levick, 
was the great-great-granddaughter of Susanna (Heath) Morris, an eminent 
minister in the Society of Friends, This worthy Friend (for whom Susanna 
Mather was named) was the wife of Morris Morris, who gave the land on which 
the Friends' Meeting-house, at Richland, was built, and who endowed the 
Friends' School at that place. The sons of Samuel and Susanna Levick at- 
tended this school, and played on the ground which had been donated to 
Friends by their great-great-great-grandfather. Tracing backward the lineage 
of these children, we find that their mother, Susanna Morris (Mather) Levick, 
was the daughter of Charles Mather, whose parents were Isaac and Mary 
Mather; and Mary Mather was the daughter of Joshua Morris, who was^the 
son of Morris and Susanna (Heath) Morris. 

Hannah B. Lester and Jane M. Foulke (sisters of Susanna M. Levick) also 
lived at Richland, and had children attending this school ; so that at one time 
there were as many as fourteen of the descendants of Morris and Susanna 
Morris who were pupils in the Richland Friends' School. 

JOB ROBERTS. 

WIDELY KNOWN AS " THE PENNSYLVANIA FARMER." 

Job Roberts and Mary (Naylor) Roberts were the grandparents of Susanna 
M. Levick; her mother, Jane (Roberts) Mather, being their only child (ex- 
cept one who died at two years of age). The home in which Susanna lived 
from the time of her birth to that of her marriage, was called " Woodlawn," 
and the house stands on a part of the Roberts tract, known as " Woodlawn 
Farm." It is situated in Whitpain Township, Montgomery County, Penna. 
Both the father and the grandfather of Job Roberts lived on this farm. The 
father died in his ninetieth year, the grandfather in his ninety-sixth, and Job 
himself (who died on the twentieth of Eighth Month, 1851) was in his ninety- 
sixth year. The house in which he was born and in which he died, has, in- 
serted in the gable, a date stone, engraved A. D. 1715. 

'' In the year 1791, Governor MifHin appointed him a magistrate of the 
county, and for a period of twenty-nine years he acted [in that] position with re- 
markable credit and carefulness." The appointment had come to him unso 
licited, and when he voluntarily resigned it, much regret was expressed. 



376 APPENDIX. 

As a pioneer in advanced ngiiculture, he stood easily foremost in the State 
of Pennsylvania for the time in which he lived, and it may safely be stated 
that no man in this Commonwealth, since his death, has originated as many 
important improvements in agriculture as he did during his long and useful 
life. Inventors are often visionary, and not alwaya practical ; but Job Eoberts 
presents us with an instance of one who combined mature deliberation and 
excellent judgment with foresight, originality, ingenuity and great energy. 
We have had many theoretical farmers, and very many practical ones, but in 
him the two were combined. He lived long enough to see his inventions 
extensively used and highly commended, and his theories put into practice by 
the most, intelligent farmers throughout the state. As a writer his style was 
attractive ; for though his scholastic opportunities had been limited, his origi- 
nality, close observation and analytical intellect enabled him to say just wliat 
he wanted to, and to say it in such a manner as to be easily understood, and to 
impress the reader with a sense of the earnestness and ability of the writer. 
His great work "The Pennsylvania Farmer/' will be likely to live, and to 
stand as a monument, not merely to the memory, but to the famiyhtednet^s of 
its author. As a fitting close to this brief notice, the following extract from 
"Historical Collections of Gwynedd," by Howard M. Jenkins, is appended : 

" Early in life he showed both mechanical and agricultural enterprise. He 
did much to improve the methods of farming, planted hedges, introduced the 
feeding of green fodder to cattle, instead of grazing, built a barn which was 
enormously large, according to the usual standard, but which he soon had full 
of crops ; and introduced, almost, if not quite, as early as Judge Peters, the 
use of gypsum, or land plaster. In a volume which he published, in 18U4, 
called 'The Pennsylvania Farmer,' he said he had raised from ten acres of 
land five hundred and sixty-five bushels of wheat; and afterward, about 1820, 
as he stated to the late Hon. Job R Tyson,* he secured three hundred and 
sixty bushels from a lot 6f six acres. He was one of the first in Pennsylvania 
to introduce and breed Merino sheep, and during the movement to establish 
the manufacture of silk, he was one of its most zealous promoters. ' Various 
articles of silk manufacture, such as cloth, stockings and other parts of dress,' 
were still in existence in 185G, of a date as far back as the Revolution, in 
1780 he drove to Gwynedd Meeting in a caniage of his own manufacture, and 
this, it is said, was the only carriage then, and for twenty-five yeai's alter, seen 

at that meeting Altogether, his learning, his enterprise, his 

abilities and his fine character, made him a notable figure of his time." 



*.Job Roberts Tyson, a nephew of Job Roberts, and a merilber of Congress, 
"in the fifties," owned and occupied this home after the death of his uncle. 



APPENDIX. 377 

WOODLAWN. 

This place — several times referred to in the " Life" — was the home of Jane 
Mather, the mother of Susanna M. Levick, Jane's great-grandfather lived 
on this farm, and several of her great-grandchildren have resided in her old 
home since her death ; thus making seven successive generations that have had 
Woodlawn for their place of abode. There are two large, old-fashioned stone 
mansions, which — for distinction's sake — ^may be called the Koberts and the 
Mather homestead. Or, as they are usually designated, " Woodlawn Farm" 
and " Woodlawn." 

Job Koberts, " The Pennsylvania Farmer," named his home " Woodlawn 
Farm;" and when his only child, Jane, was married to Charles Mather, he 
erected for them, on the eastern part of his farm, a house similar to the one in 
which he was living. Into this new and spacious dwelling Charles and Jane 
Mather moved, the year after their marriage, and in it they lived to the end 
of their earthly journey. They were married in 1807, and Charles died in 
1830. His widow survived him seventeen years. It was here, in the Mather 
homestead, that all of their eight children were born, and that they all lived 
until marriage or death caused theii; removal. There were six daughters and 
two sons; and of the eight, three are still living: Job Roberts Mather (who 
owns and occupies the home), Jane M. Foulke, of Quakertown, Penna., and 
Susanna M. Levick, of Philadelphia. It was in this house that Susanna Mor- 
ris Mather was married to Samuel J. Levick, on the seventeenth of Tenth 
Month, 1844. Her mother was carried down-stairs that she might be present 
at the marriage, which took place in the parlor. [Jane Mather was, for many 
years, so disabled by rheumatism, that she could not help herself, and the 
many visitors at her home could not fail to be impressed with the uniform 
patience, the cheerful demeanor of the chronic invalid, and the devoted at- 
tention of her daughters, who so tenderly ministered to her wants.] Susanna's 
son, Lewis J. Levick, and his family, at one time made Woodlawn their sum- 
mer home, his children being the seventh generation that has lived there. 
Lewis, himself, well remembers his great-grandfather, Job Roberts, as do sev- 
eral others of the great-grandchildren, thus making four generations that have 
mingled pleasantly together in one or the other of the mansions on Woodlawn 
Farm. The Roberts homestead is now owned (and occupied during part of 
the year) by the family of the late Moncure Robinson. 

Before leaving this old home it should be noted that the generous hospi- 
tality dispensed here, has left its impress on a large circle of friends (as well as 
on the descendants), who have heard their parents, or their grandparents, speak 
of pleasant visits at Woodlawn. 
24 



378 APPENDIX. 



PENLLYN. 



Approaching, but not encroaching upon, Woodlawn Farm, is the collection 
of beautiful homes (it would be a misnomer to call it a village), known as 
Penllyn. This settlement takes its name from the station on the North Penn- 
sylvania Railroad (now a part of the Reading system), around which it has 
grown up. In the year 1848 was published a map of Montgomery County, and 
many of the subscribers to said map chose home names for their places, to be 
engraved upon it. George Spencer, Jr., called his home Penllyn, as the house 
stands on the site of the one erected by his great-great-great-grandfather, 
Edward Foulke, who came from Wales in 1698. This Edward Foulke traced 
his ancestry — far back — to Rhirid Flaidd, Lord of Penllyn, so there seemed 
to be an appropriateness in the name. When, in 1855, the railroad station 
was erected on a part of this farm, it was named Penllyn ; the euphony of 
which was acceptable to the neighbors, though some found difficulty with the 
orthography, but on being told that it was good Welsh, they soon learned to 
spell it correctly. 

RICHARD LEVICK. 

[One of his great-great-grandchildren contributes the following notes con- 
cerning this early Delawarean. — Ed.] 

In reference to my great -great-grand father, Richard Levick, all the infor- 
mation I have concerning him, is what I found in " Scharf's History of Dela- 
ware from 1609 to 1888." On page 1031 it says : "In 1683 William Penn or- 
dered that a town be laid out for the Governor, to be called Dover, and that 
the court-house and prison be built on the cross street of said town. The lo- 
cation of the proposed town was not, however, determined at that time. A 
settler named Thomas Williams had located a tract of four hundred acres 
called Tidbury, on the south side of Dover River, and a branch noAv known 
as Tidbury Branch, of which one hundred acres were purchased by Richard 
Levick, who, in 1684, with his wife, donated it to the county. The proffer 
was made by Levick in open court, and William Clark, the county surveyor, 
was instructed to resurvey the land of Tidbury, together with that of Abraham 
Pratt, and whatever cleared land was vacant * for the good town of Dover.' 
Although this site was not adopted, it was popularly regarded as the prospective 
county seat." 

A note at the bottom of the i)age says : 

"In a deed, executed May 2nd, 1688, Saramarke, an Indian, conveyed to 
Norton Claypoole a tract of land ' on this side of Dover River, about three 



APPENDIX. 379 

miles from the place that Dover towne is intended to be built.' The part of 
Tidbury tract selected was in Murderkill Hundred, on the road from Dover 
to Frederica, and on the high land between Tidbury branch and Five Points, 
and is said to be the highest point of land in the county. It was one and a 
half miles from navigable waters, and a better location in several respects than 
the present site." 

The only other item which I have copied [from the same work, p. 1029], 
concerning Richard Levick,* is that his name is found among othei-s signed to 
a petition to Governor Andross, dated "February 4, 1680," asking for a more 
convenient place for holding court, as the difficulty of getting there from their 
homes was very great, owing to the condition of the roads through which they 
had to travel to reach there. E. K. L. 

WILLIAM LEVICK'S KINDNESS. 

EXTKACT FROM THE " RECOLLECTIONS OF ELIZABETH W. LEVICK." 

"As illustrating this neighborly kindness, a little incident in the life of Wil- 
liam Levick [Samuel's grandfather] may be here recorded. Passing by the 
house of one of his poor neighbors he found him in great distress, and learned 
that he was almost without food for his children, and that his only cow had 
just died. Returning to his home he selected one of his best cows from the 
herd and ordered his man to drive her to his neighbor. His daughters learn- 
ing what was going on, remonstrated with their father, and asked that some 
other cow than " Fill-pail," as she was called, might be sent. His reply was, 
" Johnny Hill has no cow, Ave have many cows ; ' Fill-pail' is the very kind 
of cow that he needs ;" and " Fill-pail" went to him. 

SAMUEL W. JONES. 

Samuel J. Levick was named for his mother's only brother, Samuel Weth- 
erill Jones, a well known and highly esteemed citizen of Philadelphia, who 
died on the twenty-first of Eleventh Month, 1870, in the ninety -third year of 
his age. He and his wife, Mary Coe Jones, celebrated the sixty-eighth anni- 
versary of their marriage, on the seventh of Fourth Month, 1870. They were 
married in Friends' Meeting-house, Burlington, New Jersey, and George 
Dillwyn, the eminent minister, appeared in supplication on the occasion. Sam- 
uel W. Jones was, like his sister Elizabeth, a life-long resident of Philadel- 
phia. An obituary notice of him which appeared in the Philadelphia Press, 

* The name here is written Levicli.s. 



380 APPENDIX. 

closes with this paragraph, " It is not our purpose unduly to eulogize the dead 
and yet it is but just to say that after a long business career, after a very long 
private life, there remains of our friend and fellow-townsman, the grateful 
memory of a spotless reputation, and of an integrity of character which 
knew no decay in a life extending over nearly a century." 

A LETTER FROM THE MOTHER OF SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

Philadelphia, Eighth Month 12th, 1866. 

My Dear Samuel : — 

It is a long time since I have seen thee, and I have been wondering why it 
was so. I felt quite disappointed thee did not get here last week, as it was 
thy usual time for giving us a call, but as thee did not come, thought I would 
try to write a few lines to thee, though my writing days seem to have passed. 
I very seldom write a letter now, my sight being so poor. 

I heard thee had some prospect (though I have not heard whether it was 
concluded upon) to pay a visit in a distant land. I hope the concern is a right 
one, and although thee has arrived at years of understanding, yet perhaps a 
little advice from an aged mother may be accepted by thee. I know thy natural 
disposition is social, but 1 want thee to be careful, in traveling along, not to 
talk too much in the cars, particularly on politics, as there seems great com- 
motion in the political world at this time ; neither on war ; and as thy view 
is to teach others, I hope thee may be taught by the great Teacher himself, 
who may go before and preserve thee in the right way, the way everlasting, 
and when thy visit is accomplished, thee may return in peace, that peace the 
world cannot give, neither take away. 

Feeling my mind turned toward thee, 1 felt most easy to drop these lines, 
hoping they may not pass away like the morning dew, but be like " bread 
cast upon the waters, found after many days," and when thy mother's head is 
laid low, thee may remember her great desire that her children should walk 
in the Truth, and though she be absent from them, they are not forgotten by 
her. 

I should like to know when thee expects to leave. 

James left us on Fifth-day last for Long Branch, and I expect William went 
yesterday to Atlantic City, as he expected to. Uncle and Aunt as well as 
usual, also J. L. C's family. And with love to you all, I remain as ever. 

Thy affectionate mother, 

E. W. L. 
(Aged seventy-nine years.) 



APPENDIX. ' 381 



THE RESTORATION OF MOTHER'S SIGHT.* 

BY JAMES JONES LEVICK, M. D. 

And they brought her the dear old Bible 

And she opened the Book aright, 
And read from its blessed pages — 

" God said, let there be light !" 
Then we knew that his finger had touched her, 

Had given her back her sight. 
That her blindness was gone forever, 

That " her evening time was light !'' 
There was light that day in our dwelling. 

In other eyes than hers, 
And songs of sweet thanksgiving 

From grateful worshippers. 
And all day long in our hearing, 

There were — or there seemed to be — 
Sweet voices which chanted the old-time words, 

" I was blind — but now I see !" 
Sweet voices which chanted the old-time words, 

" I was blind — but now I see !" 

* ■)^ •;{■ -H- * 4f 

And so from that day onward 

Came slowly to her sight 
The rich bright hues of autumn, 

The winter's robe of white ; 
Fresh bloom of early spring-time, 

Warm summer's wealth of flowers, 
The glories of the daylight. 

And sunset's golden hours ; 
Faces of those who loved her. 

Needle and book and pen. 
The firm step for the faltering. 

New health and strength again ! 



[^Elizabeth W. Levick, of Philadelphia, who had been blind for several 
years, had her sight restored by an operation, when in her eighty-fifth year.] 



382 APPENDIX. 



AN EXTRACT 

FROM THE " RECOLLECTIONS OF ELIZABETH W. LEVICK." 

" I think it was nearly ten years from the time that the first diminution of 
sight was noticed until I was entirely blind. 

" I have more than once been asked what were my sensations during this 
period of blindness, and what was its effect upon my mind. There was, I ac- 
knowledge, a sense of dependence and a feeling of timidity, but there was also 
a wonderful sense of peace — I had almost said of happiness — with it. It was 
as if an inward sense had been found in the place of the outward one, which 
was lost, so that I cannot at all look back to the time of my blindness as one 
of unmixed darkness and gloom. But it was, of course, a great deprivation 
to me, who had always led the active life I had. To be cut off' from my nee- 
dle, my pen and my books, to take no step alone, to have even my food cut up 
for me as for a child ; ... to see nothing of the bright, blue sky, and the 
flowers of which I had always been so fond ; all these things were, I say, 
great deprivations. But, I must repeat it, there was with the blindness a 
sense of calm, peaceful happiness, which I cannot forget, and which, if it be 
always present with the blind, is a wonderful compensation for the loss of 
sight." 

WILLIAM M. LEVICK. 

Samuel J. Levick keenly felt the bereavement occasioned by the death of 
his brother William, which occurred on the tenth of Sixth Month, 1874. 
There was only a year and a half difference in their ages, and they were very 
closely united, until death severed tlie bond. Althougii William was the 
younger, Samuel appreciated his calm deliberation and good judgment, and 
was wont to pay great deference to his wise counsel. The difference of tem- 
perament in the two seemed to strengthen the bond of aff'ection. 

During the first twenty-two years of his life, William M. Levick was a 
member of the Monthly Meeting of Friends for the Northern District of Phila- 
delphia. In his twenty -third year he ceased to attend that meeting and had 
his name entered upon the books of the Monthly Meeting of Friends lield at 
Green Street, Philadelphia. Of tliis meeting he continued to be a consistent 
and active member for the remainder of his life. Both he and his wife being 
much given to hospitality, they entertained many country Friends, and in this 
way, as well as by their stations in the meeting, they exercised an influence 
which was widely felt. Friends from different parts of the country — some 



APPENDIX. 383 

from other Yearly Meetings — could speak of the comfortable, home-like feeling 
which they enjoyed when under the roof of William and Hannah Levick. An 
aged minister, who was often their guest, took pleasure in referring to Wil- 
liam's familiarity with the writings of the early Friends and the facility with 
which he could find in them a passage or a sentiment when wanted. 

The following extract from an article in one of the daily papers shows the 
esteem in wliich William M. Levick was held by one who was not in any way 
associated with the Societ}' of Friends : 

'' Eulogy of the dead is so common, and often so mide.served, that the sensi- 
tive mind shrinks from a public notice of a departed friend. But there are 
occasions when men are taken away about whose lives there has rested none 
of the glare and show whicli forced recognition, but whose loss is felt and 
deplored by hundreds in the quiet, retired paths of life, trodden by the great 
majority of mankind, and their worth has been such that simple justice seems 
to demand more than the usual record of their departure. Such an occasion 
is presented in the death of William M. Levick, 

" By birth, education and matured conviction, a member of the religious 
Society of Friends, how he lived in honest accord and consistency with his 
professions, and in unselfish usefulness and the maintenance of good works, can 
be best vouched for by those of the same household of faith. Many who dif- 
fered from him in education and belief, of whom the writer is one, delight to 
remember and bear witness of his remarkable freedom from bigotry, cant and 
uncharitable constructions of other men's motives and opinions. He seemed 
to be imbued with that charity which thinketh no evil. 

"As a member of the legal profession, and confining himself exclusively to 
oflSce practice of that branch of the law, having to do with real estate and the 
administration of estates, he wielded an influence and was in the control and 
direction of interests to an extent totally unknown nor dreamed of by the 
members who met with him as the quiet, unobtrusive business man. 

" He was not given to demonstrations of his influence and business, ^ the 
manner of some is. Indeed, he had, in all respects, to be known intimately to 
be understood and appreciated. 

" Within the sacred enclosure of the family circle, where the real man is 
revealed, his death brings a sorrow with which the stranger may not inter- 
meddle, and of which more than a mention is here out of place. 

" May the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who has in wisdom 
stricken them, bind up their broken hearts, give them strength for the burden 
He has cast upon them, lift up the light of his countenance upon them, and 
give them peace." 



384 APPENDIX. 

JAMES J. LEVICK, M. D. 
Dr. James J. Levick died suddenly on First-day, the twenty-fifth of Sixth 
Month, 1893. His funeral, on the following Fourth-day, was at Friends' 
Meeting-house on Twelfth J^treet. It was very large. 

[From the Philadelphia Daily Evening Telegraph, June 27t.h, 1893.] 

In Memoriam. 

Dr. James Jones Levick, who died suddenly on Sunday, was one of Phila- 
delphia's most prominent physicians. He was born in this city July 28, 1824. 
His early education was completed at Haverford College, and soon after this 
he commenced the study of medicine, under the supervision of the late Dr. 
George B. Wood, who was his preceptor, and graduated at the University of 
Pennsylvania in 1847. 

He soon built up a large and lucrative practice, which he retained until his 
death. 

He was elected a member of the medical stafl' of the Pennsylvania Hospital 
in 1856, and served a period of twelve years and five months, resigning in 
1868. He had previously served the Hospital as a resident physician during 
the years 1849 and 1851. 

Dr. Levick was elected a Fellow of the College of Physicians in April 
1851 ; he was for forty -one years physician to the Magdalene Asylum ; physi- 
cian to the Wills' Eye Hospital from 1853 to 1865 ; a member of the American 
Medical Association since 1864, and of the Academy of Natural Sciences of 
Philadelphia since 1865. In 1855 he was elected a member of the Historical 
Society of Pennsylvania, and in 1853 a member of the Philadelphia County 
Medical Society. 

Dr. Levick was a frequent contributor to the medical journals, and his 
papers on various medical subjects conunanded widespread attention in this 
country, as well as abroad. He wrote in 1861 a most valuable and important 
paper on " Epidemic Influenza and Its Treatment." Dr. Levick was an au- 
thority on historical subjects, especially on the early settlers of Pennsylvania. 
He wrote a paper on the early physicians of Philadelphia, which was ex- 
haustive, instructive, and most entertaining. This was prepared at the request 
of the Association of the ex-Resident Physicians of the Pennsylvania Hospital, 
and read by him at the first meeting of that Association. 

He was early identified with the Welsh Society, and became one of its most 
prominent members, as his grandfather was before him. His last literary 
work, read befoi-e the Historical Society, which is now in the printer's hands. 



APPflENDIX. 385 

is entitled "The Early Welsh Quakers and Their Emigration to Pennsyl- 
vania." 

Dr. Levick, as a teacher of medical students, in the amphitheatre, and at 
the bedside of the patient, was unsurpassed. His delivery was clear, concise, 
and thorough. He was a member of what in olden times was known as a 
"Quiz," the reputation of which was known all over the country, and was con- 
tinued until the methods of medical education were radically changed. 

The friendships so formed among the younger medical men continued until 
the present. 

The Welsh mottoes which adorn the Bryn Mawr Hotel were devised by 
Dr. Levick, who spent part of two summers in Wales, going over the country, 
freshening old memories, and securing historical data. He was a most pru- 
dent, safe and conservative physician, and was constantly sought by his fellow- 
practitioners in consultation. Dr. Levick was a man of excellent literary 
attainment, was poetical, and wrote considerable which might suitably be pre- 
served. In disposition, he was markedly social, was a good entertainer, a true 
and loving friend. He died a member of the religious Society of Friends, in 
which he had a birthright, whose views were his, not only by education, but 
by strong conviction. 



A WESTERN TOUR,- 

This journey, through portions of the States of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, 
New York, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Virginia wa.s made, in company with 
my father, in the Autumn of 1 840. 

Leaving Philadelphia on the third of Eighth Month, I went by stage to 
Quakertown, Penna,, where three days passed pleasantly with kind friends. 
On the sixth I took the stage for Easton. As Ave were passing through a por- 
tion of Bucks County, one of the passengers, an Irishman, remarked that he 
had not seen any good corn since he left Pennsylvania, At Bethlehem, a young 
clergyman took passage with us, and he and I soon became acquainted. At 
ICaston Ave stopped at the same inn and continued our conversation through 
the evening. Much was said by both, and I found him a learned disputant in 
the schools of man, but quite the reverse in the school of Christ. We convei-sed 
on various subjects connected with the Christian religion, and I hope the in- 
terview was not unprofitable. He seemed pleased that we had met. 



* Made by Samuel J. Levick Avhen twenty -one years of age. 



386 APPENDIX. 

On the following morning I left Easton for the Monroe Tannery, where 
father joined me. During our stay, George Dillwyn Jones, brotlier James and 
myself, went up the mountain, and by strolling after berries, we should have 
lost our way had it not been for the precaution which I had taken to blaze the 
trees with my knife. I mention this for the instruction of those who may read 
this account. A few days later, James Bear and myself took a walk up Bear 
Mountain, and an interesting one it proved to be. It was one of those after- 
noons of the late summer, when a clear atmosphere and a bright sky mark the 
approach of autumn. The beauty of the landscape was enhanced by the dis- 
tinctness with whicli distant objects could be seen. We regaled ourselves with 
whortleberries — which were abundant — ^and with clear cold water from the 
brook. In the distance we saw the Neversink Hills, which stretch across the 
northern part of New Jersey, while southward was a fine view of the Delaware 
Water Gap. We feasted our eyes from this natural observatory until the sun 
began to lengthen out our shadows, and the ruddy appearance of the western 
sky reminded us of approaching night. On the homeward journey we heard 
the distant sound of a bugle, reminding us of what we had read about the Al- 
pine Shepherds calling their flocks at eventide, by blowing the familiar horn. 
The shades of evening were gathering when we reached our comfortable quar- 
ters, somewhat fatigued, yet pleased with the afternoon's excursion.. 

On Seventh-day afternoon, I went to Easton, where father joined me on the 
following day, and, for about six weeks, we were traveling companions. 
On Second-day we went to New York, by stage as far as Bound Brook, cars 
thence to Elizabeth Port, and steamboat up the bay to the great commercial 
city. Before arriving at the pier we saw, in the distance, a large, moving 
object, which, on nearer view, proved to be the trans- Atlantic steamer. Presi- 
dent. We went to Castle Garden to see the great leviathan come in. The 
arrival was announced by the foolish practice of firing guns. Crowds of peo- 
ple had gathered to witness the landing . . . We chose for our stopping 
place the Merchants' Hotel, a very comfortable hostlery of which Charles 
WyckofF is the proprietor. In the afternoon went to " The Swamp" — the 
great mart for leather merchants — and in the evening, after a walk, retired 
early to our comfortable beds. The gentle Morpheus, administering hisspirit> 
we were soon wrapped in his arms, and thus remained until awakened by the 
light of another day. . . Third-day, eighteenth, we left New York for a 
sail up the noble Hudson, Our steamer was the favorite one, named The Troy. 
It is three hundred feet long, and plies between New York and Albany, We 
took passage for Poughkeepsie and had the pleasure of meeting some friends, 



APPENDIX. 387 

who were bound for the same place. So we formed a company of six to enjoy 
together the scenery on the banks of the grandest of American rivers. 

After passing the Palisades, we came to an expansion of the river, known 
as Tappan Zee. On the east bank stands the village of Tarrytown, near which 
the youthful Andre was captured, and had to pay tlie forfeit of his life for 
being a spy. A little farther north is Sing Sing, where there is a prison hav- 
ing eight hundred separate cells, and incarcerating nearly one thousand pris- 
oners. Having passed through Haverstraw Bay, we came to the Highlands* 
which extend for miles along the river, and at one place have a height of fifteen 
hundred feet. These mountain barriers are supposed by some geologists to have 
arrested the course of the river, and caused it to form a lake, Avhich covered 
the land to a considerable distance nortli aud west ; but owing to some con- 
vulsion of nature, they gave way, and thus tlie water of the lake escaped, and 
went south to New York Bay. Among the Highlands on the west side of the 
river, at a place called West Point, is the U. S. Military Academy. 

Above these mountains the river is wider, and the country more level. 
Newburg stands on an acclivity, and has eight thousand inhabitants. Beyond 
it is Milton, said to be half way between New York and Albany. At Pough- 
keepsie, our friends and ourselves went ashore, and at Hoyt's Hotel found good 
entertainment. The afternoon and evening were passed very agreeably at the 
house of our friend, Samuel Smith. About ten P. M. father and self boarded 
a boat for Kingston, where we stopped at Pardee's Hotel and rested comforta- 
bly. In the morning our landlord supplied us with a horse and buggy, to go 
to the tannery at Napponock. It was about noon when we arrived at the vil- 
lage, and found Judge Ludnum, to whom father had a letter of introduction 
from Valentine Everit, of New York. The Judge was very courteous, and 
disposed to give us all the information that we desired concerning " Cox's 
KoUer and Belt System of Tanning." After taking us to Shook's Tannery, 
where this system is in operation, he went with us to several places of interest 
in other lines of business. One of the buildings visited was a stone one, five 
stories in height, and formerly used as a tannery. In the upper part of this 
structure, father trod on a loose board and came near being precipitated into 
the vats below, but was saved by timely assistance which I was enabled to ren- 
der him. From Napponock we went to the Lackawack Tannery, with a horse 
and vehicle furnished us by the Judge, and also provided with a letter from 
him to the foreman. We found the latter not only well acquainted with his 
business, but also accommodating, and disposed to give us the full benelit of 
his knowledge of tanning. The building is a wooden one, two hundred and 
fifty feet long and a story and a-half high, containing one hundred and forty 



388 APPENDIX. 

vats, and having a capacity for tanning twenty thousand sides of leather at 
one time. After making our observations we returned to Napponock, and 
passed the evening at the hotel, partly in listening to a conversation carried 
on by the landlord and one of his guests, on the subject of religion ; the re- 
marks of both were good. Before retiring we accompanied the Judge on a 
walk through the village, and then took leave of him. 

Next day we drove back to Kingston, and went thence to Albany, by the 
favorite steamer, The Troy. We had a fine view of the Catskill Mountains in 
their grandeur, and after passing Athens, Hudson, Kinderhook and other land- 
ings, we came in sight of Albany. This city, like most of those on the Hud- 
son, is situated on rising ground^ so that it shows to good advantage from 
the river. We stopped at the American House, kept by Job Thomas, and 
after supper took a stroll through the city, visiting the State House, City Hall, 
etc. Albany impressed me as being a place of great wickedness — so much pro- 
fanity and bad conduct made it unpleasant even to the visitor. On retiring to 
our room, and examining the beds, we found them infested with red ants, which 
are a great annoyance to the people of this place. These little disturbers of 
rest were so numerous that we applied to our landlord for a change of room, 
where we (or rather I) slept soundly. On 8ixth-day morning we took the 
train for Utica. 

Soon after leaving Albany we were taken down an inclined plane similar to 
the one on the Schuylkill, near Philadelphia. The soil, as far as Schenectady, 
appeared sandy and sterile ; but after getting fairly into the valley of the 
Mohawk, the land looked as if rich and well tilled. Broom-corn was abund- 
ant and luxuriant. Our car was divided into three compartments, and I was 
pleased to note that one of them contained two colored men along with the 
wliite passengers. Soon after leaving Schenectady, however, I observed that 
the whites had all left the compartment, and that an Indian family and the 
two colored men were the only occupants of it. On inquiring into the matter 
I learned that the whites had complained of being compelled to ride with 
" niggers," and so the conductor had ordered the Indian and his family to 
come into this compartment, giving up to the whites (who were unwilling to 
ride Avith "niggers") the places Avhich they had been occupying. Thus we 
see that Indian and African come under the same ban of proscription. 

Before reaching Utica, I met, on the train, James C. Fuller, on his return 
from " The World's Convention," recently held in London, for advancing the 
cause of universal freedom. We dined together, and then called on William 
Godell, editor of 7%e Friend of Man, with whom we conversed until time to 
take the train for Syracuse. I soon entered the compartment occupied by ray 



APPENDIX. 389 

dusky brethren, and on opening the door, one of them said to me, "Are you not 
afraid to come in here ?" On assuring him that I was not, he bade me welcome 
among them. Both of these colored men appeared to be respectable, and their 
conversation proved them to be quite intelligent. They were on their return 
from a convention which had been held at Albany, for the purpose of endeav- 
oring to induce the State Government to grant to them, more fully, their po- 
litical rights. AVe conversed on various subjects. I also talked with my Indian 
brother, who is a chief of the Onondago tribe. He desired to know if I was 
one of those who was going to assist in their emigration. 1 told him I was 
not. On my asking if they were going West, he said they were divided as to 
choice of settlement, though most of them would go to Canada, if the rulei-s of 
the United States insisted on their leaving New York ; but added, that they 
wanted to stay. 1 then asked whether, if they removed to Canada, they Avould 
not have to come under the control of the British Government ? He answered 
that he supposed they would. I enquired why not settle in this country, and 
be subject to the United States Government? His reply was about as follows, 
" No, Americans treat Indians so bad. They hate Indians. White men think 
they got better color than Indians, so they want Indians away." As he had a 
son along with him, I asked him if they taught the young Indians to tight. 
He said, " No, we think it wrong to tight." Woe I woe ! may be unto thee, 
thou land of my birth, if thou continuest to trample on the rights of an inno- 
cent and peaceable people, who, when our fathers landed on these shores, 
destitute and far from home, took them in, clothed and fed them. And now, 
my country, in the days of thy prosperity, canst thou turn away the depressed 
sons and weeping daughters of those who were the benefactors of our forefa- 
thers ? Canst thou remove them from their homes, and the graves of their 
sires — by them held so dear — Oh I where are thy feelings of gratitude ? Have 
they been swallowed up in thy eagerness for possessing a tract of land which 
is as a speck on thy vast domain. And now, if thou hearkenest not to tlie 
cries of the poor, our God, who sees their afflictions, will come down for their 
deliverance, and with an outstretched arm, will rescue them from their op- 
pressor, or thou wilt feel his chastening rod ! . . . Between Utica and 
Syracuse we passed the Oswego Indian Reservation, and here the chief and his 
family left the train. At Syracuse we were detained awhile, and the mingled 
cries of hackmen, hotel-runners and packet-agents, tilled our ears. After a 
time of this confusion we got started on the Auburn cars, and in the course of 
a few hours arrived at that city, and were piloted to the American Hotel, 
Avhich is an excellent house, being well ordered for the comfort of the traveler. 
Next morning, at eleven o'clock, we took the stage for Waterloo, a distance 



390 APPENDIX. 

of fourteen miles. On the way, crossed Cayuga Lake, on a bridge more than 
a mile in length, and halted at the town of Cayuga. At Waterloo we stopped 
over two days to visit friends ; dividing the time among the three families 
Eichard and Sarah Hunt, George Prior and Avife, and the daughters of Thomas 
M'Clintock. These young women— whose parents had gone on a journey — 
set before me some eatables, not polluted by the foul stain of slavery. I par- 
took of the repast with real enjoyment. We were kindly cared for at all three 
of the places. On First-day, father — not feeling well — rested, and I went to 
meeting with Richard Hunt. On Second day afternoon we took leave of our 
kind friends and went by stage to Rochester. This is a fine agricultural coun- 
try, and the lakes are a source of admiration to the traveler. They also are 
utilized as feeders to the canals. The timber, most abundant, is black ash and 
maple. During the afternoon, in the stage, we had a discussion on slavery, 
which gave me an opportunity to express my sentiments on this grave subject. 
We passed through Geneva and Canandaigua, and arrived at Rochester about 
half-past eight o'clock. 

This place, which has grown up in a few years, is now quite a large town, 
and has very extensive flour mills and some other manufactures. At present a 
great work of engineering is being carried on here. The Erie Canal is to be 
enlarged, and taken by a viaduct over the Genesee River. 

On Third-day morning left Rochester for Niagara Falls, via Lockport. We 
passed over the Ridge Road, a sort of natural turnpike, extending sixty miles 
on the top of a ridge that, in many places, is not any more than Avide enough 
for the road, the banks descending on either side. The road-bed is level, and 
hard as a turnpike. Probably never before did I see so much fruit in one day 
— apples and peaches — the trees bending or breaking down with their weight. 
Traveling rapidly for staging, we arrived at Lockport before five o'clock, and 
rode up to take a view of the series of locks from which the place takes its 
name. 

This is one of the great works of man, and it shows his ability to overcome 
the obstacles that impede his progress. Here we see the water of the Erie 
Canal, and the boats that pass over it, raised a distance of eighty feet by a 
series of five connecting locks. At five o'clock we boarded the train for Niag- 
ara Falls, and in about two hours arrived at the village which bears that 
name. During the day we had traveled nearly one hundred miles, sixty-four 
being by stage, so we felt willing to leave our view of the Falls until morn- 
ing, though already had our ears been saluted by the sound of their roaring. 
We took lodgings at the Eagle Hotel — a good house, with attentive ofticers — 
and passed the evening in writing and in conversation. Our fatigue being a 



APPENDIX. 391 

sufficient opiate, we were asleep soon after retiring. As the morning sun shone 
through our Avindow, the low, dull sound of the cataract fell upon our ears, in- 
forming us that we were at Niagara. Having taken our breakfast, and sup- 
plied ourselves with a guide-book, we proceeded, in company with a friend, to 
view one of Nature's mighty works. The first curiosity that attracts our 
attention is the "Rapids," or the river above the Falls, making its way 
among the masses of rock. These rocks, which are thickly studded from 
shore to shore, for some distance above the Falls, arrest the flow of the water 
in its rapid descent, and cause the spray to rise to the height of many feet. It 
appears to the spectator as if each wave was trying to pass its fellow, in haste 
to reach the seething gulf below. So great a volume of water pouring over 
the rocks with such velocity, gives to the scene an awfully grand appearance. 
Here we crossed a bridge to what is called Goat or Iris Island, paying twenty- 
five cents each, and recording our names in a book kept by the custodian. He 
also has quite a variety of articles for sale, among which walking-sticks figure 
largely. Father purchased one of these, and found it very helpful. We fol- 
lowed a hard, beaten path, made so by the footsteps of the many pilgrims who, 
like ourselves, had been to pay homage (to use a quoted expression) to this 
wonderful work of an Almighty Hand. We soon came to the brink of Ribbon 
Fall. Here we stood in silent admiration, and viewed the mighty column rolling 
in stately grandeur, down, down, into the sounding gulf. Leaving this part of the 
island, we proceeded a short distance, and came to a wooden structure known 
as the Biddle Staircase, so called from Nicholas Biddle, of Philadelphia, 
who contributed the money to build it. Descending these stairs, we went to 
the Cave of the Winds, where, owing to the structure of the rocks, there is a 
great rushing of air from under the Falls. On the other side of the staircase, 
we have a view upward of the Canadian Fall. There is some danger incurred 
in standing here, owing to the liability of portions of rock that overliang the 
bank, to fall. It is a limestone formation, and the moisture to Avhich it is ex- 
posed, may at any time cause it to crack and fall to the earth below in pieces of 
various sizes. The next point of especial note was Terrapin Tower. This 
structure is built of stone. It is reached by crossing a short bridge, and as- 
cended by a spiral staircase on the inside. The balcony at the top is sur- 
rounded by an iron railing, and from it the visitor has the finest view of the 
Falls to be obtained on the American side. 

The river here is about three-fourths of a mile wide, and the peculiar curve 
in the rock-bed over which it falls, has given to it the name of Horse-shoe, 
though it is more generally known as the Canadian P'all. Here we stood, look- 
ing down upon the great sheet of water, rolling in majestic grandeur into the 



392 APPENDIX. 

depth below, and sending up its cloud of spray. The morning being a bright 
one, rainbows were added to the view, so that we had the awful grandeur of 
the cataract, the delicate beauty of the mist, and the brilliant effects of color 
to complete the picture. No speech can express, no pen portray, no pencil 
delineate the beauty, the wonder and the awe-inspiring grandeur of Niagara 
Falls. 

Descending from Terrapin Tower, and recrossing the little bridge, we passed 
on around Goat Island, viewing the Cascades and the Eapids, and then re- 
turned to our hotel. Immediately after dinner we went down a short distance 
below the Falls, and descending a flight of steps, stood at the margin of the 
river, awaiting the return of a row-boat from the Canadian side. It soon ar- 
rived, and in company with some others, we seated ourselves in it, and paid 
eighteen and three-quarters cents each for the ferriage. Some of our company 
received not only the moisture of the spray, but also the water that splashed 
from the river. I, luckily, escaped the latter, but a young German who sat 
next to me, was not so fortunate. In a few minutes after leaving the shore of 
our own country, we were landed in the dominion of the youthful Queen. Al- 
most the tirst object that attracted our attention was a soldier, whose plaid scarf 
and frock showed that he belonged to a company of Scotch Highlanders. These 
British soldiers are placed at the ferry to prevent the escape of young Canadians 
who might be inclined to desert from the army and go over to the United 
States. Thus we see the means employed by sovereigns to keep the young 
men who have once entered the ranks bound to their servile calling. But, as 
an offset to the military despotism, it was a gratification to know that I was in 
a country which is a secure asylum for the poor, hunted, down-trodden, 
afflicted slave. How it gladdens my heart to feel that there are on this globe 
places where slavery cannot exist. The poor fugitive from bondage puts his 
foot on the soil of Canada, or of any other British possession, and that moment 
he is free. But, to return to the narration of our journey. After passing 
along some distance, we had a full front view of the middle Fall on the 
American side. After enjoying this view, and trying to take it in, we passed 
on to Table Rock, which is probably the best point of observation for a down- 
ward look at the Falls The grandeur here displayed far surpasses the power 
of my pen to describe. The deep-green waters crested with white foam, dash 
over into the seething gulf below, while the rainbow, with its gorgeous color- 
ing, lies on the surface of the river, and extends its graceful arch above and 
around us. Returning to the ferry, we cross to the American side, and take 
our leave of " Niagara's rolling flood" and "thundering cataract," pondering 



APPENDIX. 393 

with awe the wonder-working of tliat Power that "gathers the wind in his 
fists," and holds the waters "in the hollow of his hand." 

About five o'clock we took the train for Buffalo and were hurried along over 
a rough road, to the busy and promising mart which stands at the outlet of Lake 
Erie, and which, in my view, is destined to be one of the largest cities of the 
Western World. Amid much confusion we got into a hack which took us to 
the American House, a capacious and excellent hotel. 

Fifth-day, Eighth Month 27th.— At nine A. M. we boarded the steamer 
Missouri for Cleveland. We had a pretty full company of passengers and 
much freight, and the boat had a way of careening at times. But the lake 
being calm, the passage was a pleasant one. Several landings were made before 
coming to Erie, where, the stay being long enough to take on wood, we walked 
up to the town, and, to our surprise, met the English Friends, Thomas and 
Elizabeth Robson, who are travelling on a religious visit in this country. 
They were accompanied by Aaron Wills, of Eancocas, New Jersey. After a 
short conversation with these Friends, we returned to the landing, where our 
boat Avas still moored, and the deck-hands were carrying wood on lighters. 
Jt was near dusk when our comfortable steamer left Erie and steered for 
Cleveland. When securing quarters for the night I found myself in company 
with an agreeable man from New York State, who was on his way to Michi- 
gan, to secure health by going among sickness. He is suffering from an affec- 
tion of the liver, and is going into a malarious district to contract chills and 
fever for the purpose of changing his disease. He is taking this course by 
the advice of his physicians. We had a good deal of interesting and profitable 
conversation. He is an Abolitionist, and a very well-disposed man. He wor- 
ships among those called Presbyterians. He mentioned, among other matters, 
having met Joseph John Gurney, Avho had had a meeting in the " Presbyterian 
Church" at their place, and he told how much they liked the sermon. He also 
spoke of Gurney's book on "The Sabbath," and how much he was pleased 
with it. Just at this point our conversation was interrupted by the stcAvard, 
who wanted to put the beds in place for the night. We got separated, and I 
saw him not again. He impressed me as being a sincere and worthy man. I 
retired early, and consigned myself to the care of Him who slumbereth not, 
neither by day nor by night, believing that He would care for us. We arose 
about sunrise, and going out on deck, saw, in the dim distance, the spires of 
Cleveland. An hour later we landed and went to the American Hotel (this 
seems to be the popular name for hotels in these parts), where we breakfasted, 
and made inquiry concerning stages, etc. We learned that our most direct 
route would be down the Ohio and Erie Canal, which connects the waters of 
25 



•394 APPENDIX. 

Lake Erie with those of the Ohio River, and is three hundred and thirty -four 
miles in length. We took passage for Massillon, and in the early evening left 
Cleveland on one of the canal-packets, gliding smoothly along, at the rate of 
four miles an hour. The captain makes comfortable provision for his passen- 
gers and keeps things snug and orderly on the boat. The table is bountifully 
supplied with good food, and the sleeping arrangements are such as are com- 
mon on these packets. Each pallet is hung on catches to the side of the boat, 
and suspended by ropes, and there are three tiers of them. Between Cleve- 
land and Massillon the distance is sixty -five miles, and we passed through about 
fifty locks. At the summit we were four hundred and sixty-nine feet higher 
than when we left Cleveland, a,nd the water of Summit Lake flows either way, 
to the Ohio or to Lake Erie. In the descent we went through sixteen locks 
in the space of ten miles. This canal cost over eight millions of dollars. The 
scenery along the banks is rather monotonous, though occasionally we saw a 
well-cultivated farm. The trees are mostly beech and maple, with some oak and 
hickory. Massillon, hoAvever, is in the midst of a fine wheat country, which is 
inhabited by a hardy yeomanrj', mostly of German descent. The town is only 
thirteen years old, but for its size it is the busiest place Ave have seen since 
leaving home. As we had tAvo hours before stage time, I made a pleasant call 
on Robert Folger and his sister. The distance to Paris is about twenty miles, 
and on the AA'ay we stopped for supper at Canton, the county-seat of Starke 
County. The only passenger with us in the stage Avas quite disposed to con- 
verse. He and I talked anti-slavery, and he and father, politics. The latter 
seems to be the all-engrossing topic at this time, as a President is to be elected 
in a fcAv Aveeks. If I were a politician I could talk a good deal, but, as it is, I 
keep pretty quiet when the conversation takes a political turn. Damascus, 
Avhich is our objective point, is fifteen miles beyond Paris, and, as no public 
conveyance goes there, we engaged a German to take us in a farmer's two- 
horse wagon. After passing through a Avooded country, we came to Mount 
l^nion, and stopped to Avater the horses at a tavern Avith the sign of " Temper- 
ance House." Water was provided for us and for our horses, and, as is my custom, 
I offered a piece of money to our landlord as a compensation for his trouble. 
" What is this for?" said he. I told him it Avas for him. " What, have you had 
something to drink?" he inquired, looking very earnestly at a cupboard, the 
door of Avhich Avas closed. I told him, " No." "Then," said he, " I don't want 
this." Surprised I was to hear a temperance (?) tavern-keeper ask a temper- 
ance man if he had had anything to drink. If this is the policy pursued by 
their temperance tavern-keepers, 1 fear that the cause will not make much pro- 
gress in Ohio. After passing along a level road, interspersed here and there 



APPENDIX. 39o 

with a piece of wooden turnpike, or corduroy, we came out into an open conn- 
try with fine farms, and soon arrived at the house of our friend, James B. 
Bruff". In the afternoon attended a meeting at Damascus, appointed by a 
Friend from Indiana. He gave us excellent advice. I may remark that this 
day (Eighth Month 30, 1840) is my twenty-first birthday. 

Eighth Month 81st. — This morning, as father was standing in the road, he 
attempted to assist some men who were driving an infuriated cow. She ran 
at him, and would in all probability have gored him, had she not stumbled and 
fallen to the ground ; for he had fallen and sprained his ankle in his attempt 
to get away from her. Thus, a,s it seemed, by Divine interposition, was my 
dear father preserved from serious injury. Truly we have renewed cause to 
thank the Father of mercies for his care over ns and for this remarkable 
preservation. The poor animal wa*? foaming with rage, so that her drivers 
were obliged to abandon their undertaking and leave her in a field. 

In the afternoon Evi Stratton took me to Salem. It is an enterprising 
place, and in the midst of a fertile country. Returning to Damascus, we 
remained one more night with our kind friends, the Bruff family, where, for 
the three days that we visited them, Ave were made to feel so welcome that, for 
the time, we called their house home. From every member of the family — 
from father and mother down to the youngest child — we received evidences of 
real lcindne.-is. On the last day of our visit, the English Friend, Elizabeth 
Robson, had an appointed meeting at Damascus, in which she delivered a 
good discourse. 

In the afternoon Aaron Woolman kindly took us to New Garden, where we 
remained over night at the hotel. In the morning early we started for New 
Philadelphia, our landlord taking us in his open wagon. Rain came on, but 
a large umbrella kept all three of us dry. At Waynesburg we dined, and again 
started out in the rain, but soon it ceased, and the road being a good one, we 
travelled comfortably to Zore, where we stopped and had an opportunity to 
see this settlement. It is peopled by a community called Zorites, a secession 
from the Lutheran Church. They have " all things in common," and number 
nearly four hundred members. Formerly they forbade marriage, but now they 
have abandoned that anti-Christian notion. They keep no swine, neither do 
they eat of its flesh. They have large herds of cattle and flocks of sheep in 
charge of keepers. I also noticed the fine appearance of the draught-horses. 
They have well-equipped flour mills, an iron foundry and a tan-yard, also a 
store and a spacious tavern, both well kept. A company of women were 
spreading flax on a green sward, preparatory to its being made into linen, 
of which they manufacture a large quantity. Their chief man is J. M. Bei- 



396 APPENDIX. 

miler, who lives in a large house, and has a garden far surpassing any one 
that Ave have seen since leaving home. 

At New Philadelphia we boarded the packet for Hebron, and passed a quiet, 
comfortable night. 

Fifth-day, Ninth Month 3rd. — A line morning found us travelling with 
more ease than speed. During the day we passed several thriving villages. 
The scenery along the Lycking Creek is quite romantic. The banks rise 
almost perpendicularly to a considerable height, and are lined with a sand- 
stone rock, which has a honey-combed appearance. This rock is extensively 
quarried and sent up and down the canal. There are also coal-mines in the 
vicinity. 

About noon an exciting incident occurred on board the boat. A company 
seated at a table had become much absorbed in a game of cards, when the 
stcAvard disturbed them, in order to make preparation for dinner. One of this 
company was the custodian of a prisoner, but he had become so much inter- 
ested in the game, as to neglect keeping a Avatch over his charge, and the lat- 
ter, seizing the golden opportunity, had made his escape. It AA'as thought he 
had been gone about an hour before the officer Avas aware of his absence. 

Toward evening I had a conversation with a young man Avho had never 
before been in company Avith a Friend. We talked on religious subjects, and 
he seemed to be glad of the opportunity. It was about ten r. m. Avhen Ave ar- 
rived at Hebron, and took lodgings at a place which looked rather untidy, but 
we slept pretty soundly until morning. Another passenger had also stopped 
here over night, and after breakfast, we three took a private conveyance for Co- 
lumbus, at AA^hich town we arrived about noon, the journey having been made 
over the National Eoad. We took a Avalk through the town, looking at the 
buildings of most interest. The bridge over the Scioto Kiver is a substantial 
structure, being one of those on the National Road, built by the United States 
Government. We saw the partly-built State House', which is lying in an un- 
finished condition, owing to the "hard times." This being a "general-muster 
day," the streets Avere thronged Avith militaiy, and our ears Avere tilled with the 
noise of drum and fife. We stopped at the National House, opposite to Avhich 
the militia nmstered, and as is usual on such occasions, brawling and fighting 
(not under official orders) resulted. The clubs and guns Hcav in various direc- 
tions. After supper we started for Springfield in a stage, Avhich was large and 
full of passengers. As night put on her sable mantle, our company was hushed 
in silence. Many miles Avere i)assed in this Avay, and as the stage occasionally 
stopped, the yawning travellers— ourselves included — Avould tumble out to 
stretch their cramped limbs. 



APPENDIX. 397 

Arriving at Springfield about two o'clock A. ^r., we took lodging at the 
Buckeye House. Here we hired a man to take us out to the home of our 
cousins, Joiin and Rebecca Thomas, where we enjoyed a visit of four days. One 
evening I went with Palmer Thomas to a Dunkard meeting, tlie first one that 
I ever attended. They worship in the dwelling-houses of their members. This 
meeting had been called for a stranger Avho was among them. As they came 
into the house, the men saluted one another by the hand, and by a kiss. After 
some time passed in silence, they had service in German, a hymn, a chapter 
in the New Testament, a period of silence, and a sermon. Though ignorant 
of the language, I was convinced that the stranger delivered a powerful dis- 
course. Then began the English service. First, an excellent discourse, then 
several prayers, and lastly a hynm, after which the meeting closed. I was 
much impressed with the simple and solemn worship of these people. On 
Fourth-day, our kind relatives took us to Dayton, and on our arrival, we found 
hospitality, as well as shelter, at the house of our relative, Edward Edmund- 
son. The city was crowded with strangers, who had come in anticipation of a 
great Whig meeting, to be held on the following day. The time chosen was 
the anniversary of " Perry's victory on Lake Erie." During the evening and 
throughout the night, throngs of people were coming into town, and, as the 
morning dawned, all the avenues were crowded with vehicles, horsemen and 
footmen, making their way toward the place of celebration. The estimates of 
the number of human beings in the vast throng, varied from sixty thousand to 
a hundred thousand, many of whom were Avomen. Although we could hear 
the music and the hurrahing, yet I did not feel at liberty to take any part in 
this demonstration, not even so much as to be a looker-on. 

Notwithstanding the noise that filled the air, we found ourselves, in the 
evening, quietly enjoying the company of the Edmundson family. They had 
a visitor, who seemed desirous to introduce the subject of slavery. He advanced 
arguments, and I endeavored to answer them. So we had a discussion, all in 
good feeling, that continued nearly an hour, when he appeared desirous to turn 
the conversation into some other channel. The evening being far spent, we soon 
retired, and on the following morning made preparations to leave Dayton for 
Richmond, Ind. Our road, for more than half the distance, was a poor one, 
as they are making a turnpike of it, and we were obliged in several places to 
leave the main track, and go into the fields. The soil is alluvial, and being 
softened by recent rains, the wheels of our stage sunk to a considerable depth, 
and having a full load of passengers, the lumbering vehicle dragged heavily. 
We traveled all day, and arrived at Eichmond just as the sun set. The coun- 
try around this place is beautiful ; the fine farms and snug buildings give to it 



398 APPENDIX. 

such an air of neatness and tlirift tliat the passer-by would suppose he was 
traveling through an old settlement. Two nights and the intervening day> 
passed here, were pretty fully occupied. After taking a walk around the 
town, we visited the White Water River. Here is an interesting field for the 
geologist, as there are imbedded in the rock, at a distance of fifty or sixty 
feet from the surface, shells and other petrifactions. I collected a number of 
specimens, and could have spent the day here, in search of these fossils, but 
our time being limited, we had to make the most of it. I hired a horse and 
vehicle, and went about tw^o and a half miles out into the country, to visit 
Alice Foulke and her daughters. While in the city, made several social calls, 
and after a few hours' sleep at the hotel, took stage at two o'clock in the morn- 
ing, for Cincinnati. We had a long, fatiguing day of staging, but we were not 
uncomfortably crowded. As the shades of evening gathered, and dim twilight 
was becoming shrouded in the gloom of night, the lights of Cincinnati came 
into view, and soon we were surrounded with houses, and being jolted over the 
rough streets. The stage took us to the Dennison House, where we secured 
lodgings. After supper 1 went to a colored meeting for worship, where I 
found assembled a respectable-looking company of well-dressed, orderly peo- 
ple. We passed three nights and two days in this city, attending to business 
matters, sight-seeing and making arrangements for our homeward journey. 
One afternoon, under the guidance of Samuel Tucker, we took a general view 
of the city and suburbs, looking at the mills and the public buildings. There 
is, pervading Cincinnati, an air of neatness which reminds one of Philadel- 
phia. The next afternoon we went to Covington, Ky., and on our way, meet- 
ing one of the officers of the Branch Bank of the Northern Bank of Kentucky, 
he took us into the building, and treated us with much politeness. He was 
formerly an Eastern man. We could soon look around Covington, for although 
as old as Cincinnati, it is no larger in proportion than Camden is to Philadel- 
phia. Although the Ohio town and the Kentucky town possess nearly the same 
natural advantages, yet the former has greatly outstripped the latter in growth. 
This difference is pointed at, by travellers and people generally, as being due 
to the effects of slavery. I have no doubt tiiat such is the case, for we see 
that, wherever it touches with its poisonous fangs, the sting leaves a blight. 

Being about to turn our faces homeward, we spent some time in endeavoring 
to ascertain which route would be inost desirable. At length we decided to go 
by way of Dayton, Columbus, Steubenville and Pittsburg. 

Fourth-day, Ninth Month IGth. — This morning, left Cincinnati for Colum- 
bus. VVe had a comfortable stage-load of pleasant people. But it usually 
takes some time for passengers to get acquainted with each other, and the 



APPENDIX. 399 

present company proved no exception. As the sun approaclied the meridian, 
and we Lebanon, clouds began to gather, and soon a refreshing shower laid the 
dust, and made traveling quite pleasant. We dined at Lebanon, which is the 
county-seat of Warren County, and is surrounded by a rich and highly culti- 
vated country. 

At Dayton we took supper, and then began to stow away in the difierent 
coaches for the night. It fell to our lot to be two of twelve that filled the in- 
side of a coach, with several on the outside, and a (piantity of baggage. We 
were pretty closely packed, but this is what travelers must expect, and they 
should cheerfully accept just such accommodations as they find. During the 
evening I passed an hour in a quiet, wholesome conversation with one of the 
passengers. Our subject was slavery, and it was broached by my asking him 
whether there were many slaves in their neighborhood. He replied in the 
affirmative, and, smilingly added, that you do not like. I told him we did 
not, and that we thought slavery was wrong. He said he thought so too, 
that it was both a political and a religious evil, and that he would be willing 
to release the slaves, if they could be removed. 1 endeavored to show the im- 
policy and the impracticability of such a plan. He said he hoped 1 did not 
encourage the course of the Abolitionists. I told him I thought he was unac- 
quainted with their principles, and then informed him that their purpose was 
simply to call the attention of the people to the subject, to show the sinfulness 
of slavery, and hence the duty of immediate emancipation. He said he would 
have no objection to that, for it would be right. He had thought that we 
wanted to interfere in a political way, in regard to the S^atc,^. He seemed quite 
thoughtful, when, in a spirit of entire friendliness, we left the topic, and talked 
pleasantly of other matters. As the night advanced, we managed to get an 
occasional doze, by leaning two heads together for mutual props. It was about 
eight o'clock a. m. when we arrived at Columbus, where we breakfasted, and 
our company separated. The stage for Hebron was a coach intended to carry 
seven passengers, and there were nine of us. One of the number remarked that 
he thought they must be acquainted with the African slave trade, or they 
would not think of thus packing human beings. We had only twenty-seven 
miles to go by this conveyance, and the time soon passed. 

At Hebron we bargained with our landlord for a conveyance and driver to 
take us to Newark, the county -seat of Lycking County. Here we met a young 
man who had buggies for sale, and as we were looking toward purchasing one, 
our meeting resulted in his making a sale, and our possessing a buggy. On the 
following morning we boarded the canal-packet Suan, for New Philadelphia.. 
The passage occupied about twenty-four hours, and nothing of especial mo- 



400 APPENDIX. 

ment occurred on the way. The captain was polite, and the passengers were 
sociable. 

On arriving at New Philadelphia, we went to a hotel, which proved to be 
our place of abode for three days. This prolonged stay was owing to our ina- 
bility to accomplish some business. We had the experience of passing a First- 
day at a tavern. 1 walked to a retired spot, where some time was passed in 
silent meditation. Second-day, we were still unable to accomplish our busi- 
ness, but I improved the time by trying some horses, and afterwards purchased 
one, of whose capabilities I shall have occasion to speak hereafter. On Third- 
day, about noon, we gladly left the place in our own conveyance, and having 
traveled twenty-six miles, came to a good tavern, where we Ave re well accom- 
modated for the night. In the morning we drove to Cadiz, from which town 
we made a detour, to visit our relatives, Isaac Whelden and family, who live 
seventeen miles distant. The road was hilly, but we reached our destination 
before night, and met with a cordial reception. After an agreeable visit of 
two nights and a day, we took leave of these relatives, probably not to see 
them again in mutability. 

Returning to Cadiz, we pursued our journey, and stopped over night at the 
village of Bloomfield. The roads, though hilly, were not bad. In this section 
beds of bituminous coal abound, and we saw in many places the well cultiva- 
ted field under which its owner has a coal-hole, or shaft, dug horizontally into 
the hill. This region of soft coal embraces a large area, included in the east- 
ern part of Ohio and the western part of Pennsylvania and of Virginia. At 
Steubenville, we crossed the Ohio on a horse-boat, and steered our course for 
Pittsburg, stopping over night at a farm-house-of-entertainment, where 1 found 
the advantage of being accustomed to the care of horses ; for had I not at- 
tended to mine she would have fared poorly. Next day the roads were slip- 
pery from rain, but we traveled on, and arrived at Pittsburg about four o'clock. 

We saw the beginning of the Ohio River, formed by the junction of the Al- 
legheny and Monongahela. On the strip of land between them stands the 
city of Pittsburg, with its dense columns of smoke, issuing from numerou.s chim- 
neys. This smoke obscures the view of the hills that lie beyond the city. On 
the south side of the Monongahela is Birmingham, a place of considerable 
manufacturing. It is connected with Pittsburg by a bridge and by a horse- 
boat. We chose the latter for crossing, and being quickly ferried over, drove 
to the Exchange Hotel, an excellent house, at which we found all that we 
could wish in the way of travelers' comforts. Father, not feeling well, had 
decided to return by stage, and thus get home sooner than he could by our 
own conveyance. ( )n Second-day, besides making several business and social 



APPENDIX. 401 

calls, we found time to take a general view of the city, also to cross over to 
Allegheny, which is connected with Pittsburg by several very fine bridges, 
the river being half a mile wide. Of Pittsburg, 1 may say that it is a place 
of much manufacturing, and owing to the almost exclusive use of bituminous 
coal and the high hills surromiding the city, it appears to be overhung by a 
cloud of smoke. 

Third-day, Ninth IVfonth 29tli. This morning 1 took leave of father and 
of Pittsburg, and started for Philadelphia, with niy little horse, Nelly, my 
buggy, and a small quantity of baggage. The stage in which father had taken 
passage was to start at noon. The weather was tine, the ride a pleasant one, 
and I made thirty -four miles during the day ; stopping for the night at a pub- 
lic house, about three miles east of Greensburg. The house is fairly well kept 
though owing to my request to have a room to myself, 1 was put into one whose 
furniture consisted of a bed, a chair and a hen's nest in the fireplace. The 
whiteness of the eggs rendered them quite conspicuous. After leaving this 
place, I was soon among the mountains, and during the day — which was the 
last of Ninth Month — 1 crossed Chestnut Ridge and Laurel Hill, stopping for 
the night at a tavern near Stoy's Town. 

Fifth-day, first of Tenth Month. — Starting early, I proceeded to the foot of 
the Allegheny ^Mountain, and there stopped for breakfast. This mountain, on 
its western side, rises so gradually, that though eight miles from base to sum- 
mit, a horse can trot over a considerable portion of the distance, and the land 
is cultivated to the top. Before night 1 arrived at Daflenbaugh's tavern, where 
the accommodations are excellent. 

Sixth-day morning the weather was line, and again taking an early start, I 
drove to Bloody Run before breakfast. This day I was fairly among the 
mountains, crossing several ranges ; the most prominent being Scrub Ridge, 
and Sideling Hill. The beauty and grandeur exhibited among these won- 
drous works of nature are very impressive ; we see the beautiful v:dley, bloom- 
ing like a garden with cultivation, a silvery stream meandering through it, 
and surrounded by massive hills that look as if they would mock the power 
of man to scale their summits ; the beauties of autumn rested on the dense 
forest, and the shrill note of the jay-bird, as he flitted from tree to tree, called 
the attention of the traveler from the silence that reigned around. Whilst 
among these mountain wilds, where once the savage war-whoop of the Indian 
was echoed from hill to hill, and listened to in dread silence by the inhabitants 
of the valleys below; where the wild beast of the forest roamed undisturbed, 
where the nimble deer tripped from glen to glen, and ate his meal quietly 
and alone — my mind was led to contemplate, and I thought, who could behold 



402 APPENDIX. 

yon mountain, its summit hid by tlie clouds of iieaven that descend and en- 
velop it ; and the nearei- hills, locked in each other's embrace — I say, who 
could behold all these evidences of grandeur and of power, and yet doubt the 
existence of an Almighty Creator? 

Pursuing my journey, I arrived, sometime before night, at McConnelstown, 
situated at the foot of Cone Mountain. In the morning It was raining, but 
before long, the wind came rustling down the mountain side with fury, and 
the clouds began to break away. The views from this " Cone" are very line. 
We ascend four miles without any intermission ; and on the east side it is 
about the same. After making the descent I had a pleasant drive to Cham- 
bersburg. This is a large town and a place of considerable business. In the 
afternoon I drove to Cat's Town, a small village, and stopped at Green's tav- 
ern. It being Seventh-day evening, i made inquiry as to whether there was a 
Friends' Meeting, that 1 could attend on First-day. On ascertaining that there 
was one, at Monallen, about nine miles dijstant, and not much out of my way, 
I obtained the needful directions for tinding the place. There was present at th.e 
meeting, William Ellis, a minister, who is traveling on a religious visit to 
some of the meetings composing Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. His companion 
is Caleb Ogburn. After meeting, I went home with John Wright, and stayed 
until next morning. These Fiiends were very kind, and I enjoyed my visit. 
On Second-day I went from Monallen to Columbia, passing through a well 
cultivated country and through the borough of York. It was about sundown 
when I reached the long covered bridge over the Susquehanna — one of the 
longest in this country—- and crossing it, found myself in Columbia, which is 
quite a busy place. 1 stopped at Evan Green's, passing a pleasant evening 
with the family, and remaining there until next day. 

Third-day, drove to Bird-in-Hand, and made a visit with Daniel Gibbons 
and family. The traveling Friends that I had met at Monallen also came, 
and they continued to be my companions for the remainder of the jpurney. 
Next morning our kind host and hostess gave us an early start, so that we 
might get to Sadsbury Monthly Meeting. We stopped in Lancaster City, 
where I found a letter from father, informing of his safe arrival at home. 
This information was very gratifying. 

At the Monthly Meeting, William Ellis had some service to perform. We 
dined with a PViend named Moore, and then drove to James Fulton's at Fal- 
lowfield, where we passed the night and were kindly entertained. On Fifth- 
day morning we started for Philadelphia, and after passing through the bor- 
ough of West ('hester, and through several villages, we arrived at my liome 



APPENDIX. 403 

about dusk. As the two ti-aveliiig Friends were strangers in the city, 1 invited 
them to eonie with me to father's, and they accepted the invitation. 

And now that 1 have returned to my home, and to my friends in these parts, 
my heart overflows with gratitude to the Almighty Power that has blessed me 
with health, and extended his protecting care over me throughout this long 

journey. 

Samuel J. Levick. 
Tenth Month 22nd, 1840. 

[Though tnany details have been omitted in transcribing the account of 
this journey, many have been retained because of the old-time interest they 
may have for readers who are accustomed to traveling in Pullman cars, and 
to stopping at the great caravansaries, whicli have taken the place of the inns 
of fifty years ago. The friends and relatives visited have been named, as their 
posterity may be gratified to learn— through this channel — of the cordial wel- 
come extended and the generous hospitality dispensed by their worthy an- 
cestors to appreciative guests. — Ed.] 



EXTRACTS 

FROM THE LAST '^ANNUAL REPORT" SIGNED BY SAMUEL J. LEVICK, SECRE- 
TARY OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO 
ANIMALS. — 1885. 

"At no period since the incorporation of the Society, has there been so uni- 
versal an acknowledgment on the part of our citizens, of its importance and 
usefulness, or greater care manifested in observing a proper treatment of ani- 
mals. Nevertheless, the number of complaints received at our office, the act- 
ive work performed by our agents, and the number of arrests and convictions, 
amply illustrate the necessity for its maintenance and an increase of its re- 
sources, to enable it to enlarge its sphere of usefulness. 

"Owing to our limited means, our work has been conlined principally to 
the city and the adjacent country, although we have agents in several of the 
large towns within a radius of fifty to seventy miles of the city, whose services 
have resulted in the arrest and conviction of offenders in a number of cases, 
some of whici) have been of a most flagrant character. 

"Since our last report we have received five hundred and seventy-one com- 
plaints, representing six hundred and nine cases of cruelty. ... In ad- 



404 APPENDIX. 

dition to the foregoing cases, all of which were carefully investigated by our 
agents, twelve hundred horses and mules were turned out of harness as unfit 
for work ; pads were ordered in twelve hundred and thirty-eight instances, 
where the harness rubbed sore parts ; three thousand and six warnings were 
issued to thoughtless and careless abusers of animals, and two hundred and 
twenty-six suffering animals were killed in a humane manner, 

. . . " We have been persistently engaged in efforts to prevent the cruel 
sport of dog and cock-fighting ; the secrecy that surrounds these sports and the 
unwillingness of those connected therewith to furnish the Society with the time 
and place of their occurrence, make it very difficult for us to arrest and bring 
to justice this class of offenders. Particularly does this apply to dog-fight- 
ing, the remote places chosen and the short time occupied, almost prevent 
the apprehension of those engaged therein. We occasionally see notices of. 
their having occurred, but no clue is given whereby the violators of the law 
may be arraigned. 

'' With the equally cruel sport of cock-fighting we have been more success- 
ful, although we are constantly on the lookout for others that we have not 
been able to locate. . . , 

" On , one of our agents ascertained that a number of imported 

chickens (which had recently arrived from Europe) would be fought in this 
city. Acting on this information, he made a thorough investigation and found 

that a large cocking-main would take place at . . . . On the night 

of J our agents assisted by a squad of police, . . . successfully 

raided the place and captured ninety-five persons, engaged therein ; also twen- 
ty-three game fowls, gaffs, scales, shears, and all the paraphernalia connected 
therewith. At first they met with a stout resistance, but the wrong-doers were 
overpowered and conducted to the station-house, where a hearing was given 
them at two a.m. . . . Eighty-two immediately paid their fines, and the 
rest were committed to prison in default. The twenty-three cocks were con- 
fiscated and turned over to the vSociety, according to the ' Act of Assembly,' 

. . . and mercifully killed, so as to prevent any possibility of their again 
being used. 

"Also on the evening of , our agents, assisted by a squad of po- 
lice . . . raided a ' free and easy saloon,' . . . where they arrested 
twenty -six men engaged in cock-fighting; they also captured all the birds, 
gaffs, etc. Among the incidents of this raid was the finding of one man hid- 
den in a trunk, with the lid securely fastened, who was almost suffocated when 
released ; and another, wedged in under a partition so tight that he was ex- 
tricated with great difficulty. The Magistrate . . . after a hearing, fined 
all assembled, and two were committed to prison in default 



APPENDIX. 405 

" The fear of being arrested and exposed, doubtless deters many, especially 
among the young, from entering places where those unlawful exhibitions are 
given — it may be clearly perceived that the influence of the Society, in this 
particular, is producing good results. 

" We continue to notice a great improvement in the treatment of horses 
employed in the various departments of business and pleasure, in which this 
noble animal proves such an important factor. The whip is still found in the 
hands of thoughtless, passionate and cruel men and boys — an increase of the 
latter class of drivers being noticeable during the past year, especially on carts. 
Of their thoughtlessness, and their cruel use of the whip, our agents greatly 
complain ; and horse-owners should consider that the loss which they sustain, 
and the injuries which the animals receive from this class of drivers far exceed 
the pecuniary gain supposed to be realized by the employment of boys in this 
capacity. 

"Reliable information enables us to assert that the cruel and shameful prac- 
tice of 'docking' and 'nicking' — that is, cutting off a portion of the tail of the 
horse — .... has been again introduced into our city. How an en- 
lightened community can tolerate such barbarity, or accept such a ' fashion' is 
beyond our comprehension. . . . This Society — through its Board of Mana- 
gers — embraces the present occasion to express their unqualified condemna- 
tion of this practice, and as this brutality is perpetrated in the seclusion of 
stables, hidden from the public eye, it offers a liberal reward to any person 
who can furnish such reliable information as will enable it to arrest and con- 
vict any one violating this law of the State. . . . . It is the purpose of 
the Society to use all legal measures to bring offenders of this class to justice, 
and thus stamp out, in its incipiency a cruel and disgraceful custom, and it 
solicits, therefore, the aid of all our citizens to assist therein. Not only is this 
practice cruel, but lattingly injurious to the horse, as has been demonstrated 
by the highest veterinary authority. 

" We still continue our attention to the yards where cattle, sheep and swine 
are received, unloaded and reloaded ; most of which are transported long dis- 
tances in the cars. While we notice improvement in the general care mani- 
fested, yet much suffering continues — an improved form of cars, the adoption 
of which we have been looking forward to for a long time, whereby food and 
water may be dispensed in transit, has not as yet been introduced, or in but 
few instances. Scarcely a week passes but our agents report loss of life, dis- 
abled, crushed and smothered cattle, sheep and swine, as a result of defective 
stock-cars 

" The requirement that the law of kindness should be observed in our inter- 



406 APPENDIX. 

course, not only with each other, but in our treatment of all creatures, espe- 
cially those which surrender their lives for our pleasure and maintenance, 
would seem to be apparent to every thoughtful mind ; yet the facts which are 
daily presented on our highways, of wanton abuse, demonstrate that the edu- 
cation of many has been greatly neglected on this very important subject. . . 
" By order of the Board of Managers, 

Samuel J. Levick, Secretary^' 



EEMOVAL OF THE PENN C'OTTAaE. 

In 1883, this old land-mark, which had stood about two hundred years, was 
removed from Letitia Court to Fairmount Park. There was a large gathering 
assembled to celebrate the removal, and among the addresses delivered on the 
occasion, were those by the brothers, Samuel J. and Dr. James J. Levick, As 
it happened, it was the first time that both had ever spoken in public at the 
same meeting. Their grandfather, Isaac Jones, was a member of the Welsh 
Society, whose meetings were held in this building, and their father, Ebenezer 
Levick, took much interest in it. On thu occasion, Samuel's son, Lewis Jones 
Levick, and his son, Henry Lewis Levick, were present, thus making five gene- 
rations of Samuel J. Levick's family that had been associated with "The Penn 
Cottage." 

[Sunda.y Dispatch, May 27th, 1883.] 
THE PENN COTTAGE IN THE WEST PARK. 
" The removal of the house of William Penn from Letitia Court to the Park, 
which has now been accomplished, will add a feature of J^istorical interest to 
the public enclosure which cannot fail to be a matter of importance to the 
people at all times hereafter. This is the oldest house in Philadelphia. What 
is yet more notable is, that it was the first brick house built in the city. In- 
deed, Gabriel Thomas, who wrote in 1698, and who came over with Penn in 
the Welcome, says that the cellar for the use of this house was the first dug in 
Philadelphia. Some tradition is claimed to establish the fact that the first 
house built was by Andrew Griscom. But there is no direct proof on the sub- 
ject. The house was not finished when Penn arrived. He lived in Fairman's 
house, at Shackamaxon, for some time, and was there during the winter of 
l<i82-'8o. He probably did not get into his own house until the spring of the 
lat|;er year, four or five months after he came to Pennsylvania. The Proprietor 



APPENDIX. 407 

lived in that house some sixteen months. When he sailed for England on the 
16th of August, 1684, he gave to his cousin and secretary, William Markham, 
the right to live in that house. Markham was also Deputy Governor. The 
building was used for public purposes, and one matter of great interest in rela- 
tion to its history, which has scarcely been alluded to in connection with the 
removal, is, that it was the first State House of the province of Pennsylvania, 
ante-dating the State House in Chestnut Street fifty years. There is no city 
in the United States which can show a relic more interesting. The gentlemen 
who have contributed the money toward its removal have been actuated by no 
consideration other than public spirit and the cultivation of a proper regard 
for the memories of the past. The assistance of able architectural knowledge 
has been obtained. When completed, the Penn cottage, in Fairmount Park, 
will look much more like it did in its early period than it has in its present 
situation for more than one hundred and fifty years. The place where it will 
be situated is near the Girard Avenue bridge, on the Lansdowne drive. It is a 
matter of regret that it cannot be said that it Avould be near Lansdowne. The 
latter building Avas totally destroyed by the Park Commissioners when they 
first took possession of the ground. The interior had been burned out, it is 
true, but the walls were standing in good condition, and the mansion could have 
l^een rebuilt. If that had been done, this prospective removal would have 
given three Penn memorials to the Park : The cc.ttage of William Penn, the 
Proprietor, built 1682-83; Lansdowne (1774-75), the seat of Governor John 
Penn, son of Richard: and Solitude (1785), "the box" — so he called it— of 
John Penn, son of Thomas, the poet and scholar." 

[From the Philadelphia Inquirer, .Tune 24th, 1894.1 
"In 1883, th^ historic old Penn Cottage, which for generations had stood in 
Letitia Court, was removed to Fairmount Park, and erected in a prominent 
situation about TOO yards frou) the Zoological Gardens, upon a high blufi 
near the Lansdowne drive. It is iinfortunate that this house was ever 
removed from its original situation, as it is undoubtedly one of the most inter- 
esting buildings in Philadelphia, having been at one time the residence of tlic 
founder of the city, but at the same time it is fortunate that it was preserved 
at all, as when the property was sold it was fully expected that this ancient 
historic relic Avould be demolished to make room for storage warehouses. 

" It Avas only through the intervention of Henry T. Coates, the well-known 
publisher, that the house was saved. Mr. Coates fortunately realized that its 
destruction would be a great loss to Philadelphia, and through his energetic 
solicitations it was consequently preserved intact, and removed to its present 
situation, at a cost of about $4,000. 



408 APPENDIX. 



OF HISTORIC INTEREST. 

*' It has been asserted by some historians that Penn's Cottage was the first 
house erected in the city. It must have been commenced before Penn's arrival 
some time during the year 1681. 

"In regard to the material used in the construction of the cottage, Watson 
says that some of the finer fittings of the interior were imported in the first 
vessel, but the bricks which compose its walls were likely made in this city. 
The House erected for the Governor was plain in appearance, and small. It 
was two and one-half stories in height, with garret room and small back build- 
ing. The doorway was in the centre, with a bracketed porch-roof above it. 
There were rooms on each side. 

"At what time this house was finished is not known. It must have been, 
however, after the Proprietor's arrival, October 24, 1682, and it is likely Penn 
did not occupy the house until 1683. Penn's entire family were at that time 
in England, and he kept something like " bachelor's Iiall." 

" When he returned to the old country, he commissioned the Provincial 
Council to act in his stead, and made Markham secretary, assigning him the 
use of his mansion during his absence. This little house was, therefore, for 
some time the State House of the Province. It was the place where the 
officers of the Government met and where the Provincial Council deliberated. 

" When Penn came to Pennsylvania the second time he brought his wife and 
daughter, Letitia, and whilst in the city transferred the cottage in Letitia 
Court to his daughter on the 29th of March, 1701. Letitia resided in the 
house but a very short time, as she conceived no fondness for America, and 
returned to England at the very earliest possible opportunity. 

"After her death the property in Letitia Court passed through a various line 
of ownership. Finally, about 1800, the old house fell into neglect, and its 
historic character became lost altogether. Even its exact location was for a 
time in doubt, and just previous to its rejuvenation and removal to Fairmount 
Park it was used as a low groggery." 



SAMUEL J. LEVICK, 

IN Ills HUMANE, PHILANTHROPIC AND PATRIOTIC WORK. 

" For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil." That the law 
should be a terror to the evil-doer, and that those who administer it should 



APPENDIX. ' 409 

be faithful to their trust, were two co-ordinate sentiments in which Samuel J. 
Levick fully believed, and which he endeavored to act out in the discharge of 
his duty, both officially and voluntarily. 

He was alert in the discovery of wrong-doing, persistent in his investigation 
of it, and fearless in bringing the offender to justice. It was, however, against 
the practice, not the person, that his strong character and his executive ability 
were arrayed ; against the crime, not the criminal ; for he would not have any 
one punished from vindictive motives, but in order to reform the wrong-doer, 
to prevent a recurrence of the ofJense, and to secure the welfare of society. To 
protect the weak against the oppression of the strong, to preserve the unsus- 
picious from the power of the deceiver, and to insure the safety of life and 
property in the midst of a lawless element that is kept in check only by fear 
of the magistrate and of the power that he wields, was, in the opinion of this 
indefatigable worker, the function of the civil law and the duty of those ap- 
pointed to execute it. 

It was on this account that he was so desirous to have suitable persons chosen 
for official positions, and then, when the responsibility was placed upon them, 
to give them the support that their merits claimed and their station required; 
for he believed that such support, freely, reasonably and Avisely rendered, will 
insure " a government of the people, by the people and for the people."* 

A KECORDED MINISTER. 

Samuel J. Levick became a minister by record in the year 1842, before he 
was twenty-three years old. His gift in the ministry was acknowledged by 
Richland Monthly Meeting, held Fourth Month 29th, and the acknowledg- 
ment confirmed by Abington Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, held 
Fifth Month 4th. 

At the Monthly Meeting, held Eleventh Month 4th of the same year, 1842, 
he obtained his first minute for religious service from home. It was " to 
attend the meetings composing Southern Quarterly Meeting, and have some 
meetings out from among. Friends in that part of the country." 

His last minute from Richland Monthly Meeting bears date of Seventh 
Month 31st, 1874, when Samuel J. Levick and his wife, Susanna M. Levick, 
were set at liberty to " visit and appoint some meetings within the limits of 
New York Yearly Meeting, and also to appoint meetings within the limits of 
New England States." This minute was returned Second Month 4th, 1876. 

* Notwithstanding the interest which he felt in the selection of good rulers, 
he was very tender toward those Friends who did not feel at liberty to exercise 
the right of suffrage, advising them to attend strictly to their scruples, and thus 
preserve a conscience void of offense. 

26 



410 APPENDIX. ^ 

From Haddonfield Monthly Meeting he obtained one minute. It was 
granted Fifth Month 22nd, 1849, and returned Seventh Month 10th, 1849. 
Allusion to this journey (within the limits of Farmington Quarter, etc.) is 
found in the " Correspondence." 

His most extensive journey with a minute was performed in 1866, when he 
attended and appointed many meetings in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. While 
out on this visit he attended several meetings (some of them appointed at his 
request) among the Friends of the other branch ; he also appointed several in 
the worship-houses of other denominations. 

The only religious visits of which he kept a continuous account were the 
early ones to Southern and to Salem Quarter. His only reference to the later 
ones is in the " Correspondence." He attended all the Yearly Meetings except 
Illinois, of the branch of Friends to which he belonged, and the one in New 
York several times. 

The last three minutes granted him by Kace Street Monthly Meeting were 
as follows : 

Seventh Month 20th, 1881, for himself and wife "to attend Westbury and 
Purchase Quarterly Meetings, and to visit and appoint a few meetings within 
the limits of New York Yearly Meeting." 

Fifth Month 24th, 1882, for himself, accompanied by his wife, " to attend 
the Yearly Meeting of Friends of New York." 

The following is a copy of his last minute, which was dated Fifth Month 
21st, 1884 : 

"Our friend, Samuel J. Levick, a minister in unity with us, informed the 
meeting of a prospect he had of attending the approaching Yearly Meeting of 
Friends to be held in New York, accompanied by his wife, Susanna M. Lev- 
ick, an elder of this meeting, and also of appointing some meetings within the 
limits of that meeting, as way may open. Unity was expressed with him in 
his concern, and he is encouraged to pursue his prospect as Truth may direct." 

[From the Richmond (Ind.) Palladium.] 
'• Samuel J. Levick said : 'We are given but one day at a time, and if we 
can say when we retire that we have not knowingly done any man injustice, 
and have made the best use of the time, we shall be happy, and the world will 
be the better for our having been in it. Such is not beyond the reach of any 
one, old or young, and those who strive after it will attain it. Go about your 
own business without meddling with the affairs of others ; do not make it 
necessary for the Master to rebuke you as he did Martha, for busying herself 
too much. "A little learning is a dangerous thing," and worketh great mis- 



APPENDIX. 411 

chief. It was a little learning on the part of the scribes and priests that cru- 
cified Jesus; it was a little learning that set our forefathers to discussing 
theology and made it necessary that Ave should sit here and our brethren a 
few squares away to transact the business that had been done by one meeting. Jt 
is a little learning that makes infidels discover errors in the Bible, where none 
exist. It is a litle learning that prompts us to dictate to our brothers, and it 
is a little learning that keeps us from Christ. The /ear of God in (he soid is the 
only true wisdom, and it is that we must seek.' " 

[From the same.] 
MEETING FOR BUSINESS MEN. 
" Samuel J. Levick conducted a large meeting for business and young men at 
the Eighth Street Meeting House that evening, which was productive of much 
good. He took for his text that passage from the New Testament where the 
meeting between Jesus and the woman at the Well is described. His sermon 
did not deal with abstruse or doctrinal questions, but was a plain, earnest ex- 
hortation to accept the waters of life, and know the blessing of a walk free 
from sin. Had space permitted, the Palladium would have given it verbatim, 
but there is a limit to the capacity of even a newspaper, and it was impossible 
to give it the space we desired." 

[From a local paper. 1 
"Samuel J. Levick addressed a large assemblage on Sunday of last week, in 
this ancient house [Merion Friends' Meeting House]. He reminded his young 
friends that their religious creed should have a great influence upon the social 
economy of the people, regulating not only their course of action, but their 
mode of thinking that the greatest enemy of true religion is pride, and that if 
not stoutly combated it usurps the moral nature and sentiments of man. He 
laid down the principles he professed, and combated in good plain English the 
follies and wickedness of the church, all having their origin in pride, splendid 
church edifices, fashionable dress, ostentatious show, high living and the ex- 
citements of worldly amusements, all as nourishing a family of evils which 
finally overwhelm the true fountain of revealed knowledge." 

A MEETING. 
Once, when out on a religious visit, Samuel and Susanna Levick attended 
the small meeting of Friends at Orange, N. J., on a First-day morning. After 
meeting they went, with Grles H. and Marianna \V. Coggeshall, to their pleas- 
ant home in the village of Bloorafield, and during the afternoon, Samuel men- 



412 APPENDIX. 

tioned to one of the family, that he fdt drawn toward the congregation of a 
Presbyterian place of worship near by. The matter seemed to drop, as no 
particular time was specified, but Morton C. Coggeshall, son of Giles and 
Marianna, quietly left the company, and called upon the minister of this con- 
gregation, returning, at tea-time, with a message from "Dr. Kennedy" to 
Samuel J. Levick. This message was a kind greeting, accompanied with the 
miovva2iiion ihdii that evening would be a suitable time for the "Friend" to 
have a meeting with them, if he felt free to come, and they would suspend 
their service to make way for him. He went. " Dr. Kennedy," in introducing 
him, informed the congregation that it was the practice of the Friends to begin 
their worship with silence. The information being heeded, and the practice 
respected, there followed a time of very solemn silence, after which Samuel was 
highly favored in testimony, and his Presbyterian brother offered a fervent 
prayer. The opportunity was, to Samuel, a relieving and very satisfactory 
one, and at its close the minister and many of the members expressed their sat- 
isfaction, accompanied by an invitation to visit them again, if ever he came 
that way. 

MERION MEP:TING HOUSE. 

The meeting at Merion was undoubtedly held soon after the settlement of 
the Welsh Friends, in 1682, the year of William Penn's first arrival. The 
pioneers of these colonists were the company who came in the ship Lion, and 
reached the Schuylkill on the thirteenth of Sixth Month (August, O. S.), 1682. 
They numbered about forty persons, aind represented seventeen families, Ed- 
ward Jones being, perhaps, the most prominent person among them. 

At the house of Hugh Roberts, which must have been near the present Mer- 
ion Meeting House, as his land adjoined that on which it stands, the earliest 
meeting at Merion Of which a record is preserved was held on the second 
Fifth-day in Fourth Month, 1684. This was the Monthly Meeting, and we 
may feel confident that meetings for Avorship had previously been held at the 
same place. 

There is a well-preserved tradition, and, on the whole, strong evidence, that 
part of the present meeting-liouse was built in 1685, and that it was enlarged 
later, probably in 1713. " Minutes of the Preparative and Monthly Meetings 
indicate this. F>ut there is also a preserved record of a marriage at " Friends' 
public meeting-place at Merion" as early as 1693, so that an earlier structure, 
probably of loghi, may have preceded the present house. 

Presuming the correctness of the date 1695, as tfi'at of at least a part of the 
house, it is the oldest building for Divine worship in Pennsylvania, it is of 



APPENDIX. - 413 

stone, and in a good state of preservation. The interior appearance strongly 
suggests tliat the northern part (containing tlie " gallery" for ministers and 
elders, and some of the benches for other Friends), is the original structure of 
1695, and that the southern part is the addition, made probably in 1718. 

In 1695, half an acre of ground was conveyed by Edward Reese to the trus- 
tees of Merion Preparative Meeting for graveyard purposes. He was one of 
those who came in the Lion, and an acceptable minister. Later, other pieces 
of land, and funds for the maintenance of the property, were given by different 
Friends. The venerable house, with its surroundings, forms one of the most 
interesting places to Friends to be found on the western side of the Atlantic. 

H. M. J. 



WELSH ANCESTRY.* 

*' This love of ancestral history, which, more or less, exists in every breast, 
was, by the Welsh people, in every way fostered. Family records were care- 
fully preserved, and noble birth and generous descent esteemed above all 
things. . . . Indeed, so fully recognized is this trait of the Welsh 
character, that the expression, ' As long as a Welsh pedigree,' has passed into 
a proverb. 

"It might well be supposed that the early Quakers, who had renounced the 
pomps and vanities of the world, would regard with indifference and aversion 
these 'vain genealogies,' which were so eminently fitted to gratify the pride 
of the creature. Such, however, does not seem to have been the case in 
Wales, and the early pedigrees of the Lloyds [et a/.] . . . were as 
carefully preserved by their peaceful Quaker descendants as they had been by 
their warlike ancestors. Even in the early printed memorials of Philadelphia 
Yearly Meeting, in several of them it is stated, apparently with much satis- 
faction, that the subject of the memorial 'belonged to an antient family.' 

" John ap Thomas . . . was an earnest, consistent, self-sacrificing 
Friend, but he clung to his ancestral history with all the tenacity and pride 
of a genuine Welshman. [Then follows the] ' Pedigree of John ap Thomas 
ap Hugh, of Merionethshire, North Wales.' " 



Brief extracts from a paper prepared by Dr. James J. Levick, for the Penn- 
sylvania Magazine of History and Biography. It is entitled "An Old Welsh Pedi- 
gree." It was afterwards printed separately, and a copy of this pamphlet has 
at the top of its title-page the following inscription, probably written by Dr. 
Levick himself, "Samuel Jones Levick. Presented by the author, his brother, 
.lames Jones Levick, Tenth Month 14th, 1884." 



414 APPENDIX. 

OBITUARY TEIBUTES. 
" Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals." 
[Copy of Minutes.] 

"A special meeting of the Board of Managers, called by Vice President M. 
Richards Muckle, to express the feelings incident to the sudden demise of tlie 
late Secretary, Samuel J. Levick, was held April 21, 1885, at 5 o'clock P. M. 
M. Richards Muckle in the chair, in the absence of the president. 

"Present, M. Richards Muckle, Coleman Sellers, Levi Knovvles, T. Morris 
Perot, Edmund Webster, Edward C. Knight, J. Lewis Crew, William Wat- 
son, Robert R. Corson, Craig D. Ritchie, Aaron B. Ivins, Mrs. Coleman 
Sellers and Solicitor Wendell P. Bowman. 

" On motion, Aaron B. Ivins acted as Secretary. 

" On motion, a Committee of three, consisting of Coleman Sellers, C'raig D. 
Ritchie and Robert R. Corson, to which Vice President M. Richards Muckle 
was added, was appointed to prepare resolutions adapted to the gravity and 
solemnity of the occasion. 

" The following resolutions, as prepared by the Committee were then read 
and unanimously adopted : 

"Whereas, 'The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to 
Animals' has heard of the sudden decease of its Secretary, Samuel J. Levick, 
now be it 

'^Resolved, That this Society hereby desires to expi-ess its deep sense of the 
loss it has sustained by the unexpected death of its late Secretary ; 

^'Resolved, That during his long connection with the Society, Mr. Levick 
proved himself, in many ways, a faithful and efficient officer, one to whom the 
interests of the dumb creatures were very dear, and a diligent laborer at all 
times and in divers ways, to relieve and alleviate animal sufferings ; 

" Resolved, That this Society truly sympathizes with the family of the de- 
ceased in this, their sudden and unlooked-for bereavement, and tenders to 
them its affectionate sympathy ; 

" Resolved, That the Board of Managers attend the funeral in a body, and 
that a copy of these resolutions, properly engrossed, be sent to Mr. Levick's 
family. 

"On motion, adjourned. A. B. Ivins, 

SecreturyJ" 



APPENDIX. 415 

" Philadelphia, April 21st, 1885. 
" Mrs. S. J. Levick : 

" Dear Madam: — I ha%'e been directed by the Board of Managers of this 
Society to forward you the enclosed Resolutions referring to your honored 
husband, and ray respected friend. 

"Assuring you of my sympathy also, I am, 

" Veiy respectfully, 

C. M. Howell, 

Clerk S. F. a A." 

[From the Evening Reporter, Burlington, N. J.] 
"A Friend to Animals at Rest. 

"At a raeeeting of the Executive Committee of the S. P. C. A., held Tues- 
day, April 21st, the following resolutions were adopted : 

" Resolved, That this Society learns with much regret of the sudden death 
of Mr. Samuel J. Levick, for many years the indefatigable and efficient Secre- 
tary of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ; 

" Resolved, That, in the death of Mr. Levick, the Burlington County Society 
sustains the loss of a warm friend, whose interest in its organization and wel- 
fare will always be gratefully cherished, andi the Society at large, a representa- 
tive worthy of the highest emulation ; 

" Resolved, That these resolutions be published in our local papers, and a 
copy sent to the family of the deceased. 

" By order Ex. Committee. R. B. Carter, 

Sec. Ex. Com. 

"Aside from the noted philanthropist, Henry Bergh, Esq., the founder of 
the Society P. C. A. in this country, no man was more enthusiastic in the 
humane cause than Samuel J. Levick, who in all the relations of life was 
characterized by his broad and generous sympathies. At the first public 
meeting of the Burlington Society P. C. A., held Tuesday evening, Nov. 20th, 
1883, Mr. Levick was present by invitation, and addressed the meeting in an 
exceedingly pleasing, interesting and encouraging manner. 

" In the decease of Mr. Levick the brute creation loses a true and devoted 
friend." 



416 APPENDIX. 

" Western Pennsylvania Hujnfane Society. 
"Pittsburg, Pa., April 24, 1885. 
" Mrs. Samuel J. Levick : 

^' Dear Madam: — We have received the sad intelligence that your es- 
teemed husband died suddenly, on Sabbath evening- last. He has been a 
faithful and true Christian man, active in every good work. His labors in 
behalf of God's defenseless creatures have been most persevering and grand. 

"I am instructed by the Western Pa. Humane Society to express to}ou 
their deep sympathy in this, your great bereavement, 
" Yours, truly, 

Leonard H. Eaton, 

President." 

At a stated meeting of the Board of Managers, held May 12th, 1885, the 
following communication was read from the Western Pennsylvania Humane 
Society of Pittsburg : 

" To the President and Members of the Pennsylvania Society P. C. A. — We have 
learned with much regret of the death of your Secretary, Mr. Samuel J. Lev- 
ick. His long service in humane work, his deep sympathy with every form 
of suffering, and his perseverance under all circumstances, rendered his life of 
great value to society. 

" I am instructed by the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society to convey 
to you the deep sympathy of its members with you, in the loss by death of 
this valuable officer. 

" Yours, truly, 
[Signed] , Leonard H. Eaton, 

President" 

[From Friends' Intelligencer.] 
" Decease of Samuel J. Levick. 

''A severe shock amongst our religious body, and a painful announcement 
to many outside of it, was occasioned by the decease of our friend, Samuel J. 
Levick, on First-day evening last, at his home in West Philadelphia. He 
had been seriously ill for only three days, having been seized by an attack of 
heart trouble on Fifth-day evening, though some premonitions of this had 
previously been observed. 

"Samuel was the son of Ebenezer Levick, of Philadelphia, and was born in 
this city in the Eighth Month, 1819. In early manhood he was much inter- 
ested in the welfare of the colored people, and, more than forty years ago, it 



APPENDIX. 417 

was his practice to visit them in their homes and impart religious and other 
instruction to them. He was one of the founders of the ' Junior Anti-Slavery 
Society of Philadelphia ' Soon after his marriage he removed to Richland, 
Bucks County, where he remained for more than thirty years engaged in the 
tanning business. Returning to Philadelphia, he accepted the position of 
Secretary of the 'Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,' which was 
offered to him, and for which, as an executive officer, lie was admirably fitted. 
In this field he showed much zeal and energy, and probably no one, except 
Mr. Bergh, of New York, has done more to prevent suffering among the brute 
creation. Of his service as a minister in the Society of Friends we cannot 
here undertake to speak fully. It is, however, just to say that his sermons 
were earnest, clear and forcible, and that he was particularly favored to inter- 
est young hearers, and often to favorably impress those not of our Society. He 
was a positive and energetic workei-, in whatever field of labor he felt called 
upon to enter, and his loss from the already depleted ranks of our ministry 
will be severely felt." 

An Extract. 

"At New York Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, held the 23rd of 
Fifth Month, 1885: 

" The Minutes of our last Yearly Meeting were read during our morning 
session. 

" We were reminded by the record, of the attendance last year of one (Sam- 
uel J. Levick) who has since been called from works to rewards. His Gospel 
labors have been feelingly adverted to, and his last visit and testimony among 
us has been cited as emphasizing the rich possession of the Christian religion. 
* The kingdom of God is within you.' 

" While experiencing the bereavement, we were animated to greater dedica- 
tion by increased individual obligation now, as humble, willing instruments 
in promoting, with Divine aid, the service called for by our Heavenly 
Father." 

The Testimony of an Elder. 

[One who often sat under the ministry of Samuel J. Levick during the latter 
part of his life :] 

"Samuel J. Levick was a full believer in the record of the Holy Scriptures, 
not doubting or caviling at Avhat he could not comprehend, but reverently leav- 
ing that, he quoted freely from the portions that had been opened to his spir- 
itual understanding. 



418 APPENDIX. 

" In his ministry he was sound, clear and forcible, and the exercise thereof 
was very frequently accompanied with a baptizing and tendering effect upon 
his hearers. When occasion required it, he shrunk not from boldly and fear- 
lessly expressing what he felt commissioned to say to the audience. 

" On one occasion, after having clearly set forth the views and principles of 
Friends, he paused and added, ' If this be lieresy, let it be, but so worship I 
the God of my fathers. And though, among the high-professing religionists 
of the day, we may seem to have no place, yet we need not be discouraged at 
this, for the Blessed Master himself said, '•* The Son of Man hath not where 
to lay his head." If then, our Lord and Master should thus feel, need we ex- 
pect to be greater than He ? And as long as we confide in Him, it matters 
not by whom we are recognized, or by whom despised.' 

"Another time he commenced by saying, ' The Lord is the Teacher of his 
people himself,' and alluded to this declaration as being one of the distin- 
guishing views of Friends. He also referred to the great excitement in refer 
ence to the new version of the ' Scriptures.' He then said, whilst valuing 
these writings as being able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith in 
Christ Jesus, he feared that the letter of them was too much depended upon, 
without coming to the spiritual application. He compared the ' Scriptures' to 
a nut, the shell of which was the written words, giving an account of events 
and of the times in which they occurred, and the kernel the work of God, 
whose power preserved them through all. This power is still able to make 
wise those who believe, for it is in consonance with that received froTu the 
Great Teacher. He then very feelingly exhorted all to come to Him who is 
wooing us to love Him, and whose tender mercies are over all his works, so 
that He is caring for all and caushig his rain to fall upon the just and upon 
the unjust, renewing the earth for the benefit of man, and noting the fall of the 
sparrow, which, as well as man, is the work of his creation. 

" On another occasion, when exhorting to the importance of a preparation 
for the life to come, he bore a strong testimony against deferring the work and 
thinking to do it hereafter ; also against a belief in xpirilual mediums, as held 
by some. He exclaimed, ' Such things are a fallacy and a delusion ! Who ever 
saw any that returned to tell what is going on in the world of spirits, and 
what is the condition of tiiose who are now resting from their labors? As to 
consQlting mediums — as they are so called for a more refined name than that 
of witches — we have but one account in Holy Scripture where allusion is made 
to these, and that is where Saul went to consult the Witch of Endor. And 
why did he do so ? Because he who had been chosen of the Lord for a mighty 
work, forsook the Most High, went into paths of wickedness, and becoming 



APPENDIX. 419 

jealous, and not knowing of whom to lake counsel, he turned to the spirits of 
the dead. Oh, the jealousy that he felt towards David, after the battle with 
the Philistines, when the cry went forth, " Saul hath slain his thousands, but 
David his tens of thousands." . . . And what was the end of him 
who forsook the Lord, his (ilod? He fell upon Mount Gilboa, where there 
was neither rain, nor dew nor fields of ottering. 

" ' I never before have felt called to speak publicly on this subject^ — spirit- 
ualism — and 1 here leave it for your consideration.' 

" It was afterAvards found that there was present a man who had lost his 
right of membership in the Society of FViends on account of his holding and 
advocating these views." 



SAMUEL J. LEVICK. 

In the days of my youth it was my privilege often to sit under the ministry 
of this gifted Friend. Then 1 did not feel that I knew him personally ; but 
I could testify that his sermons were impressive as well as interesting. In 
large assemblies he could arouse the lukewarm, impart seriousness to the frivo- 
lous, make the worldly-minded feel uneasy, urge the hesitating, appeal to those 
who felt terrified at the sight and with a sense of their sins ; and then— .as one 
commissioned by the Great Physician — he ould pour the oil of joy into the 
wounded hearts of the mourners in Zion. The stillness that would pervade an 
assembly after he had taken his seat, was an evidence of the baptizing power 
of his ministry, and of the seals that it had impressed on many hearts. 

In our meetings for discipline he seemed to have a clear insight into the 
temptations that beset the young, and the ability to adapt his language and 
his illustrations to their comprehension ; while his ive (instead of you) gave the 
assurance of his sympathy with them in their trials, as well as his vigilance 
over their walking, and caused his earnest, yea, his pathetic appeals to 'fasten 
as a nail in a sure place." So forcibly could he apply the Queries, and so feel- 
ingly bemoan the low "state of Society," as indicated by the Answers, when 
there was great delinquency, that the young man who could not, or who would 
not, look into the mirror of his own heart, and see his short-comings, must be 
either callous, or dull of perception. 

In later years I came to know him socially, and to be in his company at 
Friends' houses after meetings, also to visit at his own home, and see him in 



420 APPENDIX. 

his famil}', and sucli acquaintance had a tendency to verify the statement so 
often made in his ministry — that the path of the righteous is not a gloomy 
one, but that it is filled with all the true joys that this life can afford, while 
the absence of the filse ones preserves the wayfarer from present dangers and 
from many future pangs. 

In conversation he was not a hobbyist, but he could take up the topic that 
others had started, and contribute to the general fund of information. In mat- 
ters purely secular he liad good judgment, and gave ample proof that he had 
been an observer of men and of their actions ; and that he knew how to draw 
conclusions from well-established premises. He was able in argument, and 
had he been a barrister, or a statesman, instead of a minister, he would have 
been powerful in the arena of debate. 

A man whose profession required him to study persons closely, and to read 
characters analytically, remarked of Samuel J. Levick, that he was compara- 
ble to " the head-light of a locomotive." The comparison is a. forcible one, and 
its application is easily made by those who have observed how this light pene- 
trates into the very depths of darkness, and enlightens the wny in advance of 
the train that is following. 

In the social circle where he was present the conversation never seemed to 
flag, nor to descend to the commonplace; but without seeming didactic he 
could raise it to a plane that would invigorate thought, and invite remark from 
the young and inexperienced inquirer, as well as from the sage and the veteran. 
But perhaps the greatest charm of his conversation was his sincerity : he 
could express concurrence without flattery, or dissent without contradiction ; 
but his hearers were not left in doubt as to his opinion on the subject under 
discussion. The exception to this colloquial freedom was when he was under 
religious exercise ; for tlien his silence was easily understood, and the whole 
company would soon get under the weight of it. Greatly was he favored both 
in pertinent testimony and fervent supplication in some of these family oppor- 
tunities : there are those now in advanced life who can recur to the solemn 
impressions made upon their youthful minds on these occasions. 

The business man and the philanthropist (as he appeared in his connection 
with the Socielies) have been described by others ; but the writer of this little trib- 
ute of esteem and affection would rather portray the Samuel J . Levick that he 
knew, as a minister, a social man, a family man and a friend. In each and in all 
of these relations he occupied a most worthy place. As it was not his purpose, 
neither should it be ours, to exalt the creature ; yet we may call attention to his 
own expressions, which point to the means by which he became the eminent 
minister and the useful man that he was ; and we who were his contemporaries — 



APPENDIX. 421 

though his juniors — and wlio watched his course with interest and instruction, 
can emphasize the sentiment that "An early surrender, followed by a constant 
endeavor" insures a safe passage amid the dangers of life, brings a joyful old 
age, and at the end of the journey gives peace with a hopeful trust. 

H. F. 



A TRIBUTE. 

[From one who knew him intimately, and who conversed with him on the 
last day of his life.] 

Samuel J. Levick passed away peacefully and painlessly. With the history 
of the life thus closed we were w^ell acquainted. We, who were closely asso- 
ciated with him, knew how serious had been his early manhood, and how, from 
a sense of religious duty he had left a good home, liad abandoned the opportuni- 
ties of the city, and the prospect of a promising business career, and had adopt- 
ed a simple, country life, that he might walk more fully in harmony with the 
Divine Will, which he desired should govern his every thought and action. 
We knew that at the early age of twenty-three he was an acknowledged minis- 
ter in the religious Society of Friends ; and we also knew how earnestly he 
labored — then, as in after years — for the good of the church ; hoAv zealously he 
strove to break the bonds of the slave ; and how staunch an advocate he was for 
universal peace. How he deepened in spirituality; how circumspect was his 
daily walk among men; and how, when sore bereavements and trials beset 
him, he was able to rise above them all; yes, and how faithfully he obeyed 
the dictates of a sensitive conscience, as he endeavored in a liumble and willing 
spirit to fulfill the requirements laid upon him. Thus it was that he experi- 
enced a growth in grace and in spiritual knowledge and understanding. 

AVe who knew of this early life, its sacrifices and its spiritual bajjtisms, were 
able— because of this knowledge — to realize how he had passed from one con- 
dition of religious growth unto another ; from the child unto the man. When 
the stature of the man had been attained, it was a vigorous manhood^ broad and 
catholic. Then it was that his field of labor enlarged ; he took a marked in- 
terest in the social and the political problems of his day, and in many branches 
of secular work, without allowing them to encroach upon his religious duties. 
By nature he was well fitted for the former, and by grace he had grown to be 
a strong man in Gospel service : the one called for outward observation and 
decisive action, while the other required passivity and the introspection of " an 



422 APPENDIX. 

anointed eye ;" and probably no man more appreciated the importance of keep- 
ing the two kinds of work distinct from each other, and each in its proper 
place. He not only knew but he feJi what it is to " Render unto Cfesar the 
things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." 

A man of exalted patriotism, he earnestly and eloquently strove to impress 
upon his hearers — and especially the youthful ones — that they should zeal- 
ously guard the institutions of the government under which they live ; and 
particularly that they should appreciate their religious and civil liberties 
which permit every human being in this country to worship God untrammeled 
by bigotry, and to enjpy the security of his home, unfettered by despotism ; 
privileges which have been won by many sacrifices and by much sufiering. 
He very often quoted the sentiment " a government of the people, by the peo- 
ple and for the people ;" also the Scripture text " Righteousness exalteth a 
nation ; but sin is a reproach to any people." 

Generous and sympathetic to a fault, he was yet a man of strong convictions, 
and he possessed the courage of the same. Gifted with keen foresight, he 
lacked tact. Aggressive in advocating reforms, his straight-forward character 
forbade diplomacy. 

He bore a practical as well as a theoretical testimony against " tale-bearing 
and detraction," and such subjects of conversation Avere never permitted in his 
family circle. 

- Within a few years of three-score and ten, Samuel J. Levick did not die an 
old man, but rather as a young man, both mentally and physically. " Keep 
young, do not grow old," was a favorite saying of his ; also that '' Wisdom is 
gray hairs, and an unspotted life, old age." Having a bright, cheerful dispo- 
sition, he loved to surround himself with the young, whom he encouraged and 
sometimes joined in their amusements. 

It was to him a very solemn and impressive opportunity to address the 
scholars of the " Friends' Central School" — nearly two thousand in number — 
who attend the mid-week meeting at Race Street. That he was much favored 
on these occasions, many who have heard him have borne testimony. 

Non-sectarian in his views, with a deep love for his fellow-man, and an 
" abiding faith in the immediate revelation of the Saviour in the heart of each,^^ his 
ministry was not so much to expound doctrines as it was to teach a practical 
religion ; one that is helpful in every-day life, and that has in view the bright 
prospect of the Spirit Land. 

His forceful and often eloquent discourses conunanded the attention of his 
hearers. 

At no time nor place did he seem more gifted than when attending the meet- 



APPENDIX. 423 

ings in the old Merion Meeting House, near Philadelphia. Standing wliere 
William Penn had stood, when he preached in the same building two hun- 
dred years before, and with the knowledge that in the quiet, plain grave-yard 
near by lay the remains of many of the founders of the Friends' Meetings 
in Philadelphia, as well as founders of this great Commonwealth — his ances- 
tors among them — it is not surprising that he should be drawn to call the atten- 
tion of his hearers to the record of the lives of these men.* With an earnest- 
ness and a flow of language that none who heard him can ever forget, he 
would impress upon his audience the value of the precious boon of their 
religious liberty, secured for them by the faithful obedience of these forefathers 
to the laiv written in thfir hearts, — and then he would urge all to "press toward 
the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

L. J. L. 
Phila., Pa., Twelfth Mo. 13th, 1895. 



*He had I'equested that his body be buried al. Merion, where the remains of 
many of his kindred (including his grandmother, Mary VVetherill Jones) had 
been interred. At the time of his funeral, as the company came out of the grave- 
yard, his brother, Dr. James J. Levick, wrote on a slip of paper and handed it 
to one of the family the following quotation : 

"And they buried him ... among the kings, because he had done good in 
Israel, both toward God and toward his house." 



JUN 23 1906 



